News Summary
In a significant act of generosity, Kevin Kisner and his wife Brittany have donated over $5 million to the Wellstar Children’s Hospital in Georgia. This donation aims to establish the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness, providing essential services for children experiencing developmental and behavioral challenges. The couple’s commitment to improving children’s health has been evident through their previous donations and community engagement, marking a pivotal step for pediatric care in Augusta.
Kevin Kisner and Brittany Kisner Make Generous Donation to Children’s Health in Augusta
In a heartwarming move that is sure to leave a lasting impact on the community, Aiken golfer Kevin Kisner and his wife, Brittany, a dedicated speech pathologist, have pledged more than $5 million to the Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia. This significant donation will help establish the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness, a facility that aims to enhance access to vital services for children and teens facing developmental and behavioral health challenges.
Breaking Ground for a Brighter Future
Mark your calendars because this coming Monday, Kevin and Brittany will swing the ceremonial hammer to kick off the renovations for this much-needed center. Their enthusiasm for improving children’s well-being in Georgia is truly commendable and reflects a commitment to making a difference in the lives of many.
The Importance of Pediatric Behavioral Health
According to the CDC, about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. have a “treatable developmental disability.” The new Kisner Center’s mission is to tackle this issue head-on by providing comprehensive pediatric mental health services. This will include everything from testing and treatment for mild behavioral issues to handling more complex diagnoses affecting kids across the state. With this new facility, parents can rest a little easier knowing that their children will have increased access to much-needed support and care.
Collaboration for Better Care
A big part of the center’s goal is to boost collaboration among different specialties within the hospital. By bringing departments with similar missions together in one space, the center hopes to create a more efficient and effective healthcare experience for young patients. The Wellstar Children’s Hospital is committed to enhancing developmental and behavioral health services, which includes increasing psychiatric consultation services. The emphasis is on timely care so that children can get the help they need when they need it most.
Support from the Community
This isn’t the first time the Kisners have stepped up for children’s health. Since establishing the Kevin and Brittany Kisner Foundation in 2016, they have been integral in improving children’s well-being, contributing $50,000 in 2020, and providing a $10,000 grant for the Mom’s Milk Program in 2018. Their foundation continues to inspire others to lend support as well. Other generous donors to the new center include Norfolk Southern, Atlanta Gas Light, and the Walmart Community Foundation.
Building Momentum for Wellness
In a tremendous display of community support, the Children’s Hospital of Georgia recently raised $255,612 during its annual fundraiser, celebrating its 24th year of supporting pediatric care. This event, broadcasted live from the hospital, saw participation from iHeart Media and local radio stations, highlighting the power of collaboration in achieving healthcare goals.
Innovative Care for Pediatric Patients
Wellstar Children’s Hospital serves over 75,000 pediatric patients annually, addressing a wide range of health conditions. With the renovations and new center, the hospital’s current needs include support for various programmatic activities, upgrading essential equipment, and acquiring new technology to further enhance patient care. Dr. Valera Hudson, the Pediatrician-in-Chief at Wellstar, emphasizes the importance of community efforts in meeting these growing needs.
Renovating for a Better Experience
In addition to the anticipated Kisner Center, the hospital lobby is also set for an upgrade—an investment of around $2 million aimed at modernizing the space and improving the overall patient experience. Expected updates will span across new flooring, ceiling tiles, and furniture, which will include antimicrobial furnishings designed to minimize the risk of infectious diseases. The renovation is expected to take approximately six months, and it promises to create a welcoming environment for families seeking care.
This exciting venture in Augusta is just the beginning of a series of improvements aimed at enriching the lives of children and providing vital health services. Thanks to the dedication of the Kisners and the compassionate community spirit, the future looks bright for young patients in Georgia!
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Kisner Gift to Wellstar Children’s Hospital
- WRDW: Children’s Hospital Fundraiser Raises $255K
- WJBF: Lobby at Children’s Hospital Getting a Makeover
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pediatric Health
- Google News: Children’s Hospital of Georgia
