A major investment will expand pediatric care for the region's children and families and enable Renown to build a standalone children’s hospital on the Renown Regional campus.
Today Renown Health announced plans to build a standalone children's hospital, made possible by a landmark $40 million gift from philanthropist, entrepreneur and civic leader, Tom Golisano. In a press release sent this morning, Tom Golisano announced that Renown is one of six new members of the Golisano Children’s Alliance, an expansion of their national footprint with Renown being the westernmost member to date. The investment from Tom Golisano is the largest philanthropic gift in Renown’s history and a major milestone for pediatric care in northern Nevada.
"This $40 million investment from Tom Golisano is transformational for Renown and our community as we plan our new expanded children’s hospital," said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, Renown Health President and CEO. "We are deeply grateful for Tom Golisano’s generosity and the confidence it reflects in Renown’s exceptional pediatric physicians, nurses and caregivers. Over the last two decades, we have expanded pediatric care to include 24 specialty disciplines, and this investment will allow us to continue increasing those services to meet the needs of our growing region.”
Renown Children's Hospital currently operates across several floors within Renown Regional Medical Center. It has northern Nevada's only dedicated children's emergency room, led by board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physicians, and became the region's only verified Level II pediatric trauma center in 2023. The hospital's 55-bed Level III NICU and 16-room PICU provide specialized care for the region's most vulnerable patients. More than 4,000 babies are born at Renown each year, and in 2025 alone, more than 84,000 children received care through Renown Children's Hospital. Through the academic affiliation with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Renown helps train the next generation of pediatricians through its residency program.
"Renown Children's Hospital cares for more children throughout northern Nevada every year, and this investment creates opportunities to meet the growing needs of children and families across our region," said Paige McCall, Renown Health VP of Women and Children's Services. "This generous gift will allow us to expand our healing and teaching mission, enhance the services we provide and strengthen care for families who depend on us every day. We are grateful to Tom Golisano for investing in the future of pediatric care in Nevada and in the families who will rely on these services. Together we are making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families for generations to come."
By joining the Golisano Children's Alliance, Renown is now part of a national network of 21 children's hospitals united by a shared commitment to improvement of pediatric healthcare delivery, advancing innovation and ensuring children and families have access to high-quality, compassionate care close to home.
"As a father and grandfather, I've seen firsthand what it means for a family to have a great children's hospital close to home in a difficult moment," said Tom Golisano in a press release from the Golisano Children's Alliance. "My hope is that no family, no matter where they live or what they can afford, has to travel far or wonder if their child will get the best care available.”
To support Renown Children's Hospital, visit renown.org/donate.
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About Renown Health
As the state’s first and only not-for-profit academic health system, Renown Health is dedicated to transforming lives, strengthening communities, and providing care for all people across Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Together with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Renown Health improves health and lives through exceptional care, comprehensive education and training, and innovative research to ensure a healthier future for Nevada. Learn more at renown.org/together.
About Tom Golisano
Tom Golisano — entrepreneur, philanthropist and civic leader — is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. Mr. Golisano’s vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives in business, healthcare, education, animal welfare, voter policies, politics and tax reform. His investments are advancing entrepreneurship and driving the success of numerous businesses and start-ups. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals — including multiple children’s hospitals across the country that bear his name — and numerous other organizations exceed $1 billion.
In 2025, Mr. Golisano launched the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a national initiative that provides strategic funding and brings together children’s hospitals across the United States to elevate pediatric care by expanding services, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that children and families have access to the highest quality medical attention close to home. Together, Alliance members are building a nationally recognized network that exemplifies excellence, dignity and innovation in pediatric healthcare. For more information on the Golisano Children's Alliance, visit golisanofoundation.org/golisano-childrens-alliance.
