Avera Health has announced the largest single gift in its history, $35 million that will support a new children's hospital in a patient care tower under construction at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The gift came from B. Thomas Golisano, philanthropist, entrepreneur and child health advocate. Golisano founded Paychex, a provider of payroll and human resources services for small- to medium-sized businesses.
Avera announced the gift on April 20. The new children's hospital will be named Avera Golisano Children's Hospital.
"Children and families should not have to travel long distances to get the care they need," Golisano said in a statement. "My investment in the Avera Golisano Children's Hospital is about more than a new building — it's about giving kids access to outstanding care closer to home, supporting families, and creating better outcomes for the future."
The gift will support the construction of the six-story, $165 million patient care tower dedicated to newborns, children and families. It is expected to open early next year. The gift will also expand access to behavioral health services for children, adolescents and families; add specialists and more timely services; and create space for families to stay close to patients during treatment and recovery.
"This is a gift for every child and family we will serve for generations. Children and families receive exceptional care today, and because of Mr. Golisano's defining investment, we will expand spaces, programs and capabilities to transform lives," Dzenan Berberovic, Avera's chief development officer and foundation president, said in a statement.
Avera has joined 14 hospitals around the country as part of the Golisano Children's Alliance to elevate pediatric care.