The Las Vegas Raiders and Intermountain Health today announced a $25 million gift to help build Nevada's first stand-alone children's hospital. 

The gift was led by Raiders owners Mark Davis, Egon Durban, and Michael Meldman – each of whom contributed $5 million toward the development – and the Raiders, which committed the additional $10 million.

“The Las Vegas Raiders are making our largest philanthropic commitment in franchise history because we are dedicated to building a healthier future for kids in Nevada,” said Mark Davis, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. “We want this gift to remind children and families that they have our team backing them and that the support of the entire Raider Nation is in their corner.”  

The hospital, located at the UNLV Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, will be the first of its kind in Nevada, anchoring a new future for kids and families across the state and delivering comprehensive, high-acuity pediatric care. 

The 828,000 square-foot standalone children’s hospital will be located on a 33-acre campus and feature 180 patient beds, with room to grow. It will provide advanced emergency services designed specifically for children and a full spectrum outpatient center alongside inpatient and specialty care. 

“The Raiders are committed to excellence, and this gift is a generational investment that will keep families closer, strengthen our community, and give every kid every chance to thrive," said Mitch Cloward, Intermountain Health region president.

In recognition of this landmark gift, Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital’s physical therapy and rehabilitation space, along with its bistro – spaces designed for healing and recovery, will be named in the Raiders’ honor.

The future Las Vegas Raiders Bistro, located adjacent to the hospital’s main lobby, will provide nourishment, comfort, and a moment of respite for families. This will be a space where caregivers and parents navigating the complexities of having a child in the hospital can pause. Whether gathering strength for the next conversation, sharing a quiet meal, or seeking a moment of normalcy, families will find support here. 

"Sports remind us that we do our best when we have the right team around us," said Michael Meldman. "Families deserve to feel supported every step of the way. In addition to the experts at Intermountain Health, the Raiders family stands with our community's kids.”

The Las Vegas Raiders Inpatient Rehab Gym will help children heal, grow stronger, and regain confidence through movement and play. Purposefully created to be both innovative and whimsical, the space will feature advanced therapeutic equipment alongside playful design elements. Here, therapy will feel empowering and fun, while supporting physical recovery, nurturing resilience, independence, and joy. 

The Raiders’ commitment to children’s health helps make every developmental milestone possible.

“When we invest in children, we invest in everything that comes next — their education, their opportunities, and their future,” said Sandra Douglass Morgan, president of the Las Vegas Raiders. “We want Nevada’s kids to know that their home team is cheering them on.”

The Nevada Campaign for Kids will strengthen, address, and extend pediatric care for children across the region. Led by co-chairs Bill and Wendy Hornbuckle, this visionary effort will be accomplished through building a broad coalition of philanthropic, clinical, and community partners committed to exceptional care for children.

The Raiders monumental gift will help make that vision possible by expanding access to exceptional pediatric care and creating a hospital experience designed around the needs of children and families.

“This incredible gift honoring Raider Nation is among the largest contributed through an NFL franchise and serves as a pacesetting prelude to the region’s most impactful and galvanizing healthcare campaign for children ever,” said David Flood, president of Intermountain Foundation and chief development officer at Intermountain Health. “This great organization loves these communities, this state, their players and personnel, and of course, their incredible fans. From our very first conversations with the Raiders leaders, this gift was envisioned as a lasting investment in families for generations to come. We are honored, and hopeful, that many will soon be inspired to follow.”

Intermountain Health has been the official healthcare partner of the Las Vegas Raiders since 2019. Construction is expected to start on the hospital in the coming months, with an anticipated opening date in 2030.

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BILLINGS, Montana — Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital anunció hoy que recibió una extraordinaria donación de $5 millones de parte de la Fortin Family Foundation. Esta inversión clave ampliará el acceso a servicios pediátricos avanzados para niños y familias en Montana, Wyoming y el oeste de las Dakotas. 

“Desde hace muchos años, la Fortin Family Foundation apoya a St. Vincent, y nos honra ser una de las principales aliadas en este proyecto que tendrá un gran impacto”, dijo Danielle Moore, presidenta de la Fortin Family Foundation. “Nos enorgullece ayudar a impulsar esta visión, que marcará el futuro de la atención médica en Montana y garantizará una atención excepcional y compasiva para las próximas generaciones”.  

La campaña de St. Vincent Regional Hospital buscará reunir apoyo filantrópico integral para cuatro áreas fundamentales: el nuevo hospital de última generación, tecnología y equipos avanzados, excelencia clínica y ampliación de servicios y programas transformadores. La campaña está diseñada para que cada donante tenga una oportunidad de apoyar el área de atención médica que más le importe. La Fortin Family Foundation destinó su aporte a ampliar los servicios pediátricos. 

“El generoso apoyo de la Fortin Family Foundation demuestra su profundo compromiso con la salud y el bienestar de nuestra comunidad”, dijo Tyler Wiltgen, director ejecutivo de filantropía de Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital. Esta importante donación fortalecerá nuestra visión de ofrecer atención pediátrica del más alto nivel e inspirará a otros a sumarse a nuestro esfuerzo por construir un futuro más saludable para la región. 

Durante generaciones, St. Vincent Regional Hospital ha acompañado a niños y familias de toda la región como un aliado de confianza, con servicios pediátricos que se han adaptado para responder a necesidades cada vez mayores y más complejas. Los aportes filantrópicos, incluido el apoyo sostenido de la Fortin Family Foundation, han ayudado a que más personas accedan a atención especializada, a fortalecer alianzas y a acercar los servicios a las comunidades rurales. Cabe destacar que donaciones anteriores apoyaron la creación y el crecimiento de la Fortin Pediatric Specialty Clinic, desarrollada en colaboración con Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital y la University of Utah. Gracias a esta clínica, las familias de Montana pueden acceder a especialistas pediátricos de primer nivel sin salir del estado. 

Esta nueva donación se suma a ese legado y permitirá fortalecer aún más la atención pediátrica, incluidos la única unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos del este de Montana, una avanzada unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales de nivel III y el único programa de cirugía pediátrica de la región. Estas inversiones reflejan el compromiso continuo de garantizar que los niños y sus familias tengan acceso a una atención compasiva y de alta calidad, reducir la necesidad de viajar y favorecer mejores resultados para los pacientes y sus familias. Esta donación representa una de las inversiones en atención médica más importantes en la historia de Montana y refleja el compromiso de brindar atención integral y de alta calidad. 

La campaña de St. Vincent Regional Hospital representa una visión integral. Esta es una oportunidadúnica‑en‑una‑generación para construir un nuevocampus hospitalariode‑‑vanguardia‑y fortalecer los servicios que salvan vidas en las próximas décadas. Todo esto busca transformar la atención médica, ampliar el acceso a los servicios y garantizar que las personas puedan recibir atención excepcional cerca de sus hogares. 

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Intermountain Health and Shriners Children’s anunciaron una afiliación colaborativa que establece un acceso más conveniente a la reconocida atención especializada sin fines de lucro en ortopedia pediátrica en Nevada. Ambas organizaciones han firmado una carta de intención para formar una nueva afiliación estratégica enfocada en mejorar la vida, el bienestar y la salud de los niños en el estado.

La afiliación une a dos organizaciones impulsadas por su misión con un compromiso compartido de ofrecer atención pediátrica especializada, segura y de alta calidad para todos los niños, independientemente de su capacidad de pago. A través de un liderazgo conjunto, gobernanza, planeamiento estratégico y operaciones coordinadas, la afiliación está diseñada para crear una línea de servicios sostenible e integrada en ortopedia y rehabilitación pediátrica que sirva tanto a las comunidades locales como regionales.

“Esta afiliación refleja nuestra creencia compartida de que los niños y las familias merecen la mejor atención posible cerca de su hogar”, dijo Mitch Cloward, presidente regional de Intermountain Health. “Al unir los recursos de Intermountain, la experiencia clínica y el profundo compromiso con la salud comunitaria con las capacidades especializadas de Shriners Children’s, estamos fortaleciendo un modelo de atención que mejora el acceso, apoya a las familias y ayuda a los niños a recibir la atención adecuada cuando más la necesitan”.

“Cuando servimos juntos, podemos hacer más por la comunidad”, dijo Mandy Richards, DNP, RN, directora ejecutiva de enfermería y presidenta de Children's Health en Intermountain Health. “En el centro de esta afiliación se encuentra un compromiso común en construir un modelo de cuidados médicos que mejoren el acceso al cuidado pediátrico y al resultado de estos cuidados. Al reunir los recursos y la experiencia clínica de Intermountain con las capacidades especializadas de Shriners Children’s, podemos seguir llegando a más niños que necesitan atención”.

Como parte de esta afiliación y como muestra de su compromiso duradero con la comunidad de Las Vegas, Shriners Children’s tendrá una clínica ortopédica pediátrica independiente ubicada dentro de la recientemente construida Intermountain Health Badura Clinic, en el suroeste de Las Vegas, la cual se anticipa abrirá sus puertas este verano, y posteriormente en el Outpatient Services Center en el campus de Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital. Shriners Children’s también será el proveedor oficial de servicios ortopédicos, empleando personal clínico y no clínico que respalda sus operaciones.

“Shriners Children’s ha servido a los niños de Nevada durante décadas por medio de clínicas de ayuda comunitaria y telesalud”, dijo Leslie Stewart, MD, presidente de la junta directiva de Shriners Children’s. “Esta clínica representa un paso hacia adelante importante al continuar proveyendo nuestro cuidado pediátrico especializado a más niños en una comunidad en expansión. Nos enorgullece expandir nuestra misión en colaboración con Intermountain Health, y servir a más niños y familias en el área de Las Vegas”.

Esta afiliación también incluye planes de explorar un modelo de colaboración clínica. A través de esta estructura, las organizaciones podrán coordinarse en base a protocolos clínicos basados en las mejores prácticas, el uso compartido de datos y la integración clínica en el campo de cuidados médicos. Todo esto con el objetivo de ofrecer servicios de alto valor y costo efectivo a pacientes pediátricos y sus familias.

Para apoyar el éxito a largo plazo de esta afiliación y reforzar el compromiso compartido de mejorar la vida de los niños y las familias en la comunidad, Shriners Children’s proporcionará recursos dedicados y experiencia estratégica para apoyar a Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital y fortalecer sus servicios de ortopedia y rehabilitación pediátrica, en alineación con la misión de Shriners Children’s de ofrecer atención compasiva y de alta calidad.

Además, Shriners Children’s se comprometerá a proporcionar asistencia financiera para los pacientes de Shriners Children’s que reciban servicios a través del hospital y la línea de servicios, trabajando en coordinación con pagadores externos y con los programas de asistencia financiera de Intermountain.

Esta afiliación se basa en la sólida relación existente entre Intermountain Health y Shriners Children’s en Utah, donde ambas organizaciones están dedicadas a avanzar la atención pediátrica. “Cuando Intermountain Health y Shriners Children’s trabajan juntos en Primary Children’s Hospital, nuestra comunidad se beneficia”, dijo Dustin Lipson, presidente de Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital en Salt Lake City. “Estamos uniendo experiencia, compasión y propósito para asegurarnos de que los niños de toda la región tengan acceso a las mejores innovaciones en atención pediátrica”.

Aun cuando esta sea la primera vez que Shriner’s tenga presencia en las nuevas clínicas de Nevada, ya han formado parte de la comunidad por décadas a través de clínicas comunitarias y proporcionando transporte a sus ubicaciones en el sur de California y Salt Lake City. Además, el torneo de golf Shriners Children’s Open PGA Tour y el juego de fútbol americano universitario East-West Shrine Bowl, han tenido una conexión duradera con el área de Las Vegas.

Juntos, Intermountain Health y Shriners Children’s impulsarán enfoques innovadores en la prestación de atención pediátrica, respetarán y honrarán la historia y misión únicas de cada organización, y colaborarán de manera transparente para ayudar a que los niños de nuestra comunidad vivan sus vidas más saludables.

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Intermountain Health and Shriners Children’s announced a collaborative affiliation that establishes more convenient access to renowned nonprofit pediatric orthopedic specialty care in Nevada. 

Both organizations have signed a letter of intent to form a new strategic affiliation focused on improving the lives, wellbeing, and health of children in the state.

The affiliation brings together two mission-driven organizations with a shared commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and specialized pediatric care for all children – regardless of the ability to pay. Through joint leadership, governance, strategic planning, and coordinated operations, the affiliation is designed to create a sustainable and integrated pediatric orthopedic and rehabilitation service line serving both local and regional communities.

“This affiliation reflects our shared belief that children and families deserve the very best care, close to home,” said Mitch Cloward, Intermountain Health region president. “By bringing together Intermountain’s resources, clinical expertise, and deep commitment to community health with the specialized capabilities of Shriners Children’s, we’re strengthening a model of care that improves access, supports families, and helps kids get the right care when they need it most.”

“When we serve together, we can do more for our community," said Mandy Richards, DNP, RN, chief nursing executive and president of Children's Health at Intermountain Health. "At the heart of this affiliation is a shared commitment to build a model of care that improves access to pediatric care and advances outcomes. By bringing together Intermountain’s resources and clinical expertise with the specialized capabilities of Shriners Children’s we can continue to reach more children who need care.”

As part of the affiliation, and as a demonstration of their long-standing commitment to the Las Vegas community, Shriners Children’s will own and operate an independent pediatric orthopedic clinic, located within the newly constructed Intermountain Health Badura Clinic in southwest Las Vegas, scheduled to open this summer, and eventually the Outpatient Services Center on the Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital campus. Shriners Children’s will also serve as the provider of record for orthopedic services, employing clinical and nonclinical staff supporting its operations.

"Shriners Children's has been serving Nevada children for decades through outreach clinics and telehealth," said Leslie Stewart, MD, chairman of the Board of Trustees for Shriners Children's. "This clinic represents an important step forward in continuing to provide our specialized pediatric care to more children in a growing community. We are proud to expand our mission in partnership with Intermountain Health and to serve more children and families in the Las Vegas area."

The affiliation also includes plans to explore a clinical collaboration model. Through this structure, the organizations will coordinate on best practice clinical protocols, data sharing to support quality improvement, and clinical integration across care settings, all with the goal of delivering high-value, cost-effective services to pediatric patients and their families.

To support the long-term success of this affiliation and to further a shared commitment to improving the lives of children and families in the community, Shriners Children’s will provide dedicated resources and strategic expertise to support the Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital and strengthen its pediatric orthopedic and rehabilitation services in alignment with the Shriners Children's mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate care.

In addition, Shriners Children’s will commit financial assistance for Shriners Children’s patients receiving services through the hospital and service line, working in coordination with third-party payers and Intermountain’s financial assistance programs.

This affiliation builds on the strong existing relationship between Intermountain Health and Shriners Children’s in Utah, where both organizations are dedicated to advancing pediatric care for kids. “When Intermountain Health and Shriners Children’s work together at Primary Children’s Hospital, our community benefits,” says Dustin Lipson, president of Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. “We are uniting expertise, compassion, and purpose to ensure that children across the region have access to the very best innovations in pediatric care.”

While Shriner’s will be new to Nevada in terms of the new clinics, they have been a part of the community for decades through outreach clinics and transportation to their facilities in Southern California and Salt Lake City. Additionally, the Shriners Children’s Open PGA Tour golf tournament and East-West Shrine Bowl college all-star football game have long-standing connections to the Las Vegas area.

Together, Intermountain Health and Shriners Children’s will advance innovative approaches to pediatric healthcare delivery, respect and uphold the unique history and mission of each organization, and collaborate transparently to help children in our community live their healthiest lives.

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Intermountain Health has selected experienced healthcare leader, Russ Williams, as the president of Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital.   

In his new position, Williams will help lead the development and future operations of Nevada’s first standalone children’s hospital.  

Williams brings more than two decades of leadership experience in pediatric and academic healthcare.   

“The Nevada Children’s Hospital represents one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our region. Families across our state deserve access to world-class, comprehensive pediatric care close to home, and this hospital will transform what is possible for generations to come,” said Mitch Cloward, Intermountain’s region president. “Russ brings the proven leadership, vision, and expertise needed to guide this critical work forward.” 

Most recently, Williams served in senior leadership roles at Texas Children’s Hospital in Austin, Texas, where he supported a rapidly growing pediatric platform and strengthened partnerships across clinical, academic, and community teams.   

Williams has also held leadership positions at Seattle Children’s, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, and the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Across these roles, Williams led system operations, regional programs, patient experience efforts, and major capital philanthropic projects—including the opening of new children’s hospitals.   

“His deep experience in pediatric healthcare and his commitment to community partnership make him the right leader at the right moment. We are proud to welcome Russ, and we look forward to building a stronger, healthier future for Nevada’s children together," said Cloward. “His experience and steady leadership will play a key role as we build and prepare to open Nevada Children’s Hospital.”  

"Russ understands that this extraordinary opportunity to significantly transform pediatric health across Nevada does not happen without community," said Mandy Richards, DNP, RN, chief nursing executive and president of Children's Health at Intermountain Health. "Russ' commitment to partnering with caregivers, physicians, community leaders, philanthropic supporters, and families will increase the access to pediatric care that is needed today and build a healthy future for our children tomorrow."  

Intermountain Health will build the stand-alone children’s hospital at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, in southwest Las Vegas. In 2025, Intermountain announced the architects and contractors for the project and subsequently began design work. 

Intermountain Health is committed to fund two-thirds of the $1 billion+ project needed to complete the comprehensive vision for Nevada Children’s Health, including the standalone children’s hospital. Intermountain has commissioned Intermountain Foundation to seek the remaining funding through philanthropic support.  

“This is more than a philanthropic campaign – this is a historic moment,” said David Flood, president of Intermountain Foundation and chief development officer at Intermountain Health. “We are essentially committing two dollars for every dollar of philanthropic support invested by our community because we believe this hospital deserves nothing less than bold, visionary partnership.” 

“Having recently surpassed $640 million in contributions for Primary Children’s Hospitals in Utah, we credit that campaign’s success to the generous Utah donor community who dreamed big and helped us reimagine what pediatric care could be for our communities,” added Flood. “We’re now working with donors, community leaders, and organizations in Nevada to envision and create transformational change that will outlast all of us.”  

Intermountain Foundation announced Bill and Wendy Hornbuckle last fall to lead the Nevada Campaign for Kids – the most ambitious philanthropic effort ever undertaken to launch comprehensive children’s health services in the state.  

“Building Nevada’s first standalone children’s hospital demands bold leadership – and we have that with Intermountain Health and Russ Williams,” said Bill Hornbuckle, chief executive officer and president of MGM Resorts International and Intermountain Health’s Campaign for Kids chair. “Russ understands that life-changing healthcare requires legacy-defining philanthropy. The partnership between Intermountain Health and our community of donors will define what is possible. I am proud to stand beside them and invite our community’s leaders to join us in building something that will change the trajectory of healthcare in Nevada forever.”    

For more information, visit connect.intermountainhealth.org/childrens-health-nevada.  

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Intermountain Children’s Health today unveiled the Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center-Taylorsville Campus, bringing vital family-centered mental and behavioral health services – including an always-open walk-in crisis center – to kids and teens needing support.

The new Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center is a 90,000-square-foot facility made possible by a $25 million investment from the State of Utah and philanthropic donations to Primary Promise, Intermountain Health’s historic campaign to build the nation’s model health system for children.

The Behavioral Health Center’s opening marks a leap forward in expanding critically needed mental health services in a state where suicide remains a leading cause of death for youth.

Built on the former Wasatch Canyons campus at 5770 South 1500 West, in Taylorsville, Utah, the new Center opens to kids and families on Saturday, September 6.

“I remember being really scared and worried. When I started coming to Primary Children’s it really helped me,” said Wren, who marked her 12th birthday by cutting the ribbon on the Center after 300 state, community, and Intermountain Health leaders and caregivers sang the birthday song for her. “I want other kids to know that it’s not just them that have worries, and there’s ways to fix it … they’re not the only ones having the hard times.”

Utah, like many states in the nation, is experiencing a pediatric mental health crisis. 

In 2023, 23 percent of Utah high school students seriously contemplated suicide. Nine percent attempted suicide, and 37 percent felt sad or hopeless.

To help meet the need, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital has increased its behavioral health programs by 78 percent and has served 40 percent more kids in the past five years.

The need for care keeps growing.

In 2024, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital behavioral health programs helped more than 10,000 kids. They’re expected to help even more this year.

“Each child in our community is an important part of Intermountain’s mission,” said Rob Allen, president and chief executive officer of Intermountain Health. “Every child deserves the chance to thrive and live their healthiest life. They are the hope and promise of the future. This Center is an important part of providing critically needed behavioral health services to Utah’s children and families.”

The new state-of-the art, family-centered facility features:

• Patient rooms where parents can stay overnight with their child. 
• Family-friendly perks like spacious waiting rooms, and a café.
• 50 percent more inpatient beds than the previous facility that can be adapted to each child’s needs. 
• Large outpatient spaces with natural light, quiet rooms, and sensory spaces. 
• A new Crisis Walk-In Center, which is always open.

The Center also includes these free services:

• The statewide Assessment, Referral, Consultation Service (ARCS) service line that connects families to behavioral health resources or an appointment at 385-478-2400.
• The Stabilization and Mobile Response program, which sends a professional to your home to help a child or teen. It’s available by dialing 988 or using the SafeUT app.

“Family-centered care is critical to kids’ healing, and this building is designed for families,” said Amanda Choudhary, president of the Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital-Taylorsville Campus and leader of the Behavioral Health service line for Intermountain Children’s Health. “Our dedicated teams have been working tirelessly to prepare the facility, and we can’t wait to welcome our first patients.”

Construction on the Center was accelerated thanks to the state’s $25 million appropriation.

“It’s because of the shared commitment of Intermountain Children’s Health, the State of Utah, and supporters of Primary Promise that we are able to answer the emerging needs of a growing pediatric population and open this new Behavioral Health Center,” said Mandy Richards, president of Intermountain Children’s Health and chief nursing executive for Intermountain Health. “We are grateful for the community support that has turned a promise into reality for children across the State of Utah.”

“Children’s behavioral health is one of the most important and challenging issues of our time. The State of Utah is proud to support Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in this critical endeavor,” Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said. “The $25 million investment from the state shows that no child or family is alone in their mental health journey. We are all in this together.”

Support of Intermountain Health’s historic Primary Promise campaign to build the nation’s model health system for children created momentum for expanded behavioral health services. Julie and Gregory P. Cook’s family was the first to invest in Primary Promise with a transformational $10 million gift dedicated entirely to enhancing behavioral health services.  

“We have a responsibility to protect kids and provide them with options so that they're not just left to their own devices,” Julie Cook said. “Behavioral Health matters, and a healthy mind starts with a community that cares. All of us can work together to be part of the solution. We knew this was our way to make a difference.”

“If you’ve ever wanted a way to give back to your community and help everyone, this is it,” Gregory Cook said. “We invite everyone to partner with us, and give to Primary Promise. Contribute to lifesaving and life-changing advancements for kids everywhere. Every day we delay is a missed opportunity to help a child thrive. With stakes this high, we cannot hesitate.”

The Behavioral Health Center will provide spaces for clinical expertise, and a “safe place to land” for parents, guardians and family members of patients, said Teresa Glade, whose daughter, Rachel, was helped at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.

Rachel has had multiple heart, lung, gastrointestinal, and feeding therapies, among other treatments and surgeries from the day she was born and throughout her life. She is also hard of hearing.

“I know this was difficult for everyone around me, but I understand now that I was hurting deeply and needed, somehow, to get that out,” Rachel shared at the ribbon-cutting in American Sign Language. “I had suffered through a ton of medical trauma, and on top of that, I couldn’t hear the voices that tried to comfort me.”

Rachel is now 23. She graduated from cosmetology school and works at her family business. She enjoys doing hair and makeup, hiking, spending time with her boyfriend, and eating her favorite foods. 

“It is incredibly important for kids to receive mental health support when they are young so that they can enter adulthood with life skills,” Rachel said. “I am so thankful for all of the years Primary Children’s has been there for me with my medical and behavioral health needs, and I am so happy this new campus will be able to provide further support for countless children and teens for decades to come.”

For information about behavioral health services, visit primarychildrens.org/behavioralhealth.

To give, visit primarypromise.org.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: Images and video available upon request.

Intermountain Health has selected The PENTA Building Group in partnership with Jacobsen Construction to build the first-ever stand-alone comprehensive children’s hospital in Nevada.

The selection of these construction firms brings a wealth of experience to the historic project, combining PENTA’s familiarity and expertise in leading large-scale projects in Nevada with Jacobsen’s innovative and expansive knowledge in healthcare construction, which includes the second Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital campus that opened in Lehi, Utah, in early 2024.

“It was vital for us in the contractor selection to bring both ingenuity and craftmanship along with the aspect of homegrown Nevada connections,” said Lawrence Barnard, president of the Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital. “The Nevada Children’s Hospital is poised to be state-of-art, welcoming families close to home with the compassionate service for which Intermountain is known.”

The new Intermountain children’s hospital represents one of the most significant and exciting opportunities to elevate children’s health in Nevada. Philanthropy and community partnerships are critical to make this vision a reality, and campaign planning is underway.  

When complete, the Intermountain pediatric healthcare facility will be the first stand-alone hospital in Nevada that is fully and comprehensively dedicated to children’s health. This includes specialty-based care, such as oncology and cardiovascular services, among others that patients currently must travel out-of-state to receive.

“The Intermountain Health Children’s Hospital is going to be an incredible addition to the Las Vegas community, and The PENTA Building Group is excited to partner with Jacobson Construction to help make it a reality,” said John Cannito, president and CEO of PENTA. “As a local Las Vegas contractor, we see this as more than just another construction project; it’s an opportunity to be part of something amazing that is going to make Southern Nevada a better place for our families and friends. We are proud to be selected by Intermountain Health as a partner in this historic initiative.”

“For Jacobsen Construction, joining Penta in the building and delivery of this project is the culmination of two decades of continuous close work with Intermountain Healthcare to deliver inspiring projects that serve the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Jacobsen President and CEO Gary Ellis. “We have treasured the many years of working on impactful projects at Primary Children’s and many other Intermountain facilities. To be entrusted by them with this truly once-in-a-generation project, and to be able to draw on that longstanding relationship to solve problems together for this facility is an amazing privilege.”

Jacobsen’s construction leadership will be headed by Vice President Blake Court, whose continuous work with Intermountain spans more than 19 years.

In January, the firms Shepley Bulfinch and Gensler were announced as architects for the project and subsequently began design work. Last week, Intermountain Health, The Gardner Group, and the UNLV Research Foundation signed agreements for a comprehensive children’s hospital to be built on the land at the UNLV Research and Technology Park.

Groundbreaking is expected in early 2026, with the hospital projected to open by 2030.  

The 200-bed hospital will provide highly specialized care for children and families in Nevada, give the state a $724 million economic boost during five years of anticipated construction, and deliver $841 million in annual economic output once the hospital opens, according to an independent research study conducted by Applied Analysis.

Intermountain Health offers patient care at more than 80 clinics at over 65 locations across southern Nevada. With its extended provider network, Intermountain Health delivers patient-centered primary, specialty, and urgent care services to approximately 350,000 southern Nevadans in Clark and Nye counties.   

Follow the Intermountain Health’s Nevada Children’s Hospital for updates.

The YMCA of Southern Nevada hosted the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day^® on April 26th from 12pm-2pm located at the Durango Hills YMCA. 

The free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season. With water safety top of mind, registration for our Safety Around Water (SAW) program designed with a specific sequence of skills proven to ensure children have a safe and fun aquatics experience will also begin on Healthy Kids Day. 

The Y offers this program at no cost to youth in our community.

Sponsored nationally by Peanuts, Healthy Kids Day’s mission is to prepare Las Vegas families for a safe, healthy, and fun summer. One of the biggest highlights of the event is early access to the YMCA’s outdoor water park, giving families a head start on summer fun before it officially opens for the season. 

In addition, engaging safety around water demonstrations will be offered, helping parents and kids learn essential tips to stay safe in and around the water. The day also features a variety of community vendors, making it a celebration for the whole family.

"It’s crucial for kids to stay active during the summer, both physically and mentally," said Shene Tracy, Sr, experience director for the YMCA of Southern Nevada. “At the Y, we’re dedicated to providing families with the resources they need to build healthy habits year-round. Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free community event designed to encourage families to explore all the amazing summer activities the Y has to offer.”

Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Intermountain Health, and POOLCORP.

Intermountain Health has made children health and safety part of their main health priorities. The critical areas were identified as part of the current Community Health Needs Assessment, which was built from extensive research from local health status, health needs, and assets that allow the nonprofit health system to inform and identify key local area health priorities, including the sustaining health needs of children and families. 

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children in Las Vegas and the surrounding area. The majority of drowning deaths occur in family pools. The most common drowning victim is a child four years of age or younger, occurring between noon and dinner. These tragedies often occur while parents are home and there is a brief lapse in supervision.

“We encourage parents and youth to learn the ABCD’s of drowning prevention: Adult Supervision, Barriers like self-closing gates, Classes, swimming, water safety & CPR and devices like life jackets,” said Will Rucker, community health director for Nevada for Intermountain Health. “There is no substitute for active adult supervision, which is why we recommend an “adult water watcher” be assigned any time children are swimming or around water to prevent drowning.”

Today, Intermountain Health donated 129 life jackets to the YMCA of Southern Nevada to be used for free at the four waterpark YMCA locations. 

Intermountain announced in October, plans to build Nevada’s first comprehensive stand-alone children’s hospital.The facility, set to be located in the UNLV Research and Technology Park, is projected to be completed by 2030, providing specialized pediatric care to meet the growing needs of the region.

For more information, contact the YMCA of Southern Nevada at (702) 240-9622 or visit lasvegasymca.org. 

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Las Vegas. La YMCA del sur de Nevada organizó el Healthy Kids Day^® (Día del Niño Saludable) anual el 26 de abril de 12 p. m. a 2 p. m. en la YMCA de Durango Hills. El evento anual y gratuito ofrece una variedad de actividades familiares para fomentar la salud de los niños, de las familias y un comienzo saludable de la temporada de verano. Teniendo presente la seguridad en el agua, en el Día del Niño Saludable también comenzará la inscripción para nuestro programa Seguros cerca del agua (SAW, por sus siglas en inglés), que está diseñado con una secuencia específica de habilidades probadas para garantizar que los niños tengan una experiencia acuática segura y divertida. La YMCA ofrece este programa sin costo para los jóvenes de nuestra comunidad.

Patrocinado a nivel nacional por Peanuts, la misión del Día del Niño Saludable es preparar a las familias de Las Vegas para un verano seguro, saludable y divertido. Uno de los aspectos más destacados del evento es el acceso anticipado al parque acuático al aire libre de la YMCA, que les permite a las familias disfrutar de la diversión veraniega antes de la apertura oficial. Además, se ofrecerán demostraciones interesantes de seguridad en el agua, que ayudarán a padres y niños a aprender los consejos imprescindibles para mantenerse seguros en el agua y cerca de ella. La jornada también contará con la presencia de distintos proveedores de la comunidad, lo que la convertirá en una celebración para toda la familia.

“Es fundamental que los niños se mantengan activos durante el verano, tanto física como mentalmente”, indicó Shene Tracy, directora sénior de Experiencia de la YMCA del sur de Nevada. “En la YMCA, nos dedicamos a ofrecer a las familias los recursos que necesitan para crear hábitos saludables durante todo el año. El Día del Niño Saludable es un evento comunitario divertido y gratuito diseñado para animar a las familias a explorar todas las actividades estupendas de verano que ofrece la YMCA”. 

A nivel local, el Día del Niño Saludable cuenta con el patrocinio de Intermountain Health y POOLCORP.

Intermountain Health hizo que la salud y la seguridad de los niños sea una de sus prioridades de salud principales. Se identificaron las áreas importantes como parte de la Evaluación de necesidades de salud comunitaria actual, que se creó a partir de una amplia investigación del estado de salud local, las necesidades de salud y los activos que permiten al sistema de salud sin fines de lucro informar e identificar las prioridades clave de salud del área local, incluidas las necesidades de salud sostenibles de los niños y las familias. 

Ahogarse es una de las principales causas de muerte infantil en Las Vegas y sus alrededores. La mayoría de las muertes por ahogamiento se producen en las piletas de las familias. Las víctimas de ahogamiento más comunes son los niños menores de cuatro años y se producen entre el mediodía y la cena. Estas tragedias suelen ocurrir cuando los padres están en el hogar y hay un pequeño lapso en la supervisión.

“Recomendamos a los padres y jóvenes a que aprendan los principios básicos de la prevención del ahogamiento: supervisión de un adulto, barreras como puertas de cierre automático, clases, natación, seguridad en el agua y RCP, y dispositivos como chalecos salvavidas”, informó Will Rucker, director de Intermountain Community Health en Nevada. “No hay nada que pueda sustituir la supervisión activa de un adulto, por lo que recomendamos que se asigne un ‘adulto vigilante del agua’ cada vez que los niños estén nadando o cerca del agua para evitar que se ahoguen”.

Actualmente, Intermountain Health ha donado 129 chalecos salvavidas a la YMCA del sur de Nevada para que se utilicen de manera gratuita en las cuatro sedes de la YMCA de los parques acuáticos. 

En octubre, Intermountain anunció su intención de construir el primer hospital infantil independiente de Nevada. Se prevé que el centro, situado en el Research and Technology Park de la Universidad de Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV, por sus siglas en inglés), esté terminado en 2030 y ofrezca atención pediátrica especializada para satisfacer las crecientes necesidades de la región.

Si quiere obtener más información, comuníquese con la YMCA del sur de Nevada al (702) 240-9622 o visite lasvegasymca.org.  

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LAS VEGAS – Intermountain Health ha seleccionado a Lawrence Barnard, líder durante mucho tiempo en el campo de atención médica, como nuevo presidente del próximo y primer hospital infantil independiente en Nevada.

La selección de Barnard es el resultado de una búsqueda nacional extensa. Barnard empezará su nueva función de inmediato, cambiando de su posición actual como vicepresidente adjunto de Intermountain Children´s Health en Nevada.

“La experiencia tan extensa de Larry cómo líder en el campo de atención médica y sus conexiones profundas con Nevada y Las Vegas, hacen que él sea el primer presidente ideal de Health Nevada Children´s Hospital, el cual se espera que empezará a servir a pacientes y familias en 2030”, dijo Katy Welkie, vicepresidenta de Intermountain Children´s Health. “Esperamos entusiasmados ver los beneficios transformadores que él continuará inspirando en las comunidades que servimos”.

Barnard guiará al hospital durante la construcción y supervisará la gestión después de la gran inauguración. Como parte de ese proceso, desarrollará estrategias a largo plazo, dirigirá el proceso de contratación, dotación de personal y capacitación, ayudará en las gestiones diarias, asegurará la administración financiera y supervisará la colaboración con la comunidad.

Barnard, quien es el antiguo director ejecutivo de University Medical Center en el sur de Nevada, ha priorizado la creación de un hospital infantil completo en el área para servir a los niños y a las familias del estado.

“Por demasiado tiempo, hemos visto como algunas familias han tenido más dificultades de las que debieran al recibir un diagnóstico o una lesión traumática, por las que han tenido que salir del estado para cuidar de su ser querido”, dijo Barnard. “Mi misión personal se ha convertido en asegurarme que ahora puedan recibir la mejor calidad de atención aquí, cerca de su hogar”.

El pasado octubre, Intermountain Health anunció sus planes de construir un hospital infantil en el sur de Nevada. La ceremonia de primera piedra está programada para finales de año.

Barnard se unió a Intermountain en 2021 para dirigir los esfuerzos de expansión de los servicios de y atención médica pediátrica en el estado, en colaboración con líderes y personal médico de la región y del sistema Intermountain Health, así como para poner énfasis en resultados clínicos positivos, calidad, experiencias de pacientes y un mejor acceso para los niños y las familias.

“El compromiso de Larry en mejorar la atención infantil en Nevada es inquebrantable y su visión será clave a medida que continuemos construyendo el sistema de salud modelo de la nación para niños en el estado”, dijo Mitch Cloward, presidente de Intermountain Health´s Desert Region. “Él será clave en inspirar a nuestras familias y nuestras comunidades”.

La trayectoria de liderazgo en el campo de atención médica de Barnard en Las Vegas incluye su servicio como presidente de mercado de Nevada para Dignity Health (CommonSpirit Health).

Barnard es un veterano del ejército de Estados Unidos y se recibió de U.S Military Academy en West Point, New York. Como capitán de U.S Army de 2001 a 2006, Barnard sirvió como oficial general adjunto en aviación.

Para conocer más acerca del próximo Intermountain Nevada Children´s Hospital e Intermountain Health, vaya a intermountainhealth.org.

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LAS VEGAS – La construcción del primer hospital infantil independiente de Nevada a cargo de Intermountain Health mejorará la salud y el bienestar infantil, y la economía de Nevada.

Se espera que, con el nuevo hospital, se conserve en Nevada a los niños y sus familias con necesidades de atención médica, y que el estado reciba un impulso económico de $724 millones durante los cinco años de construcción anticipada, y una producción económica anual de $841 millones una vez que el hospital abra, de acuerdo con un estudio de investigación independiente realizado por Applied Analysis.

“Era importante para nosotros desde el inicio completar toda la diligencia debida hacia la meta del primer hospital infantil independiente”, expresó Lawrence Barnard, vicepresidente adjunto de Pediatría de Intermountain Health en Nevada. “Esta labor ha sido multifacética, estratégica, analítica y se requirieron años de trabajo arduo y determinación”.

Intermountain Health contrató a Applied Analysis para que llevara a cabo una investigación independiente antes del anuncio de construcción de un hospital infantil en el sur de Nevada del pasado octubre. Este completo análisis, que se entregó a principios del 2024, incluyó las necesidades de salud de la población pediátrica de Nevada, el impacto económico de construir un edificio, y el tamaño y el alcance de un hospital infantil para satisfacer las necesidades del estado. 

Parte del análisis se incluyó en el informe del Lincy Institute de la de la Universidad de Nevada en Las Vegas (UNLV, por sus siglas en inglés), “Developing a Stand-Alone Hospital in Southern Nevada”, publicado en septiembre del año pasado.  

Estos son algunos de los hallazgos principales:  

Con el nuevo hospital, las familias podrían quedarse en Nevada para recibir atención pediátrica. En 2023, Nevada reportó que 29,802 (veintinueve mil ochocientos dos) niños y jóvenes menores de 21 años recibieron atención afuera del estado. Se pagaron más de $123 millones a profesionales médicos fuera del estado.

“Esto no incluye la inmensa pérdida que las familias deben pagar a nivel económico y el estrés mental para conseguir atención especializada para sus niños en esos estados. A veces, deben estar lejos de casa por días y semanas”, indicó Bernard.

Se proyecta que la construcción genere un impulso económico de $724 millones durante los cinco años que llevará construir el hospital.

Una vez inaugurado, se espera que el hospital genere 1334 puestos de trabajo, incluidos puestos para profesionales de atención médica y otros profesionales clínicos y relacionados.

“Las tareas de reclutamiento y planificación de la fuerza laboral ya se encuentran en marcha en preparación para la inauguración. Estaremos listos”, añadió Bernard.

Se espera que el hospital genere $841 millones en producción económica anual.

Es el momento

Históricamente, un hospital infantil en el estado no ha sido posible por cuestiones económicas. Por ejemplo, los niños representan la mayor parte de la población con el 21.7 por ciento, por encima del promedio nacional. Esta población representa una cantidad desproporcionada de inscritos en Medicaid. Alrededor del 20 por ciento de los adultos están inscritos en Medicaid, mientras que el 52.4 por ciento de los niños de Nevada cuentan con Medicaid y el Programa de Seguro Médico para Niños (CHIP, por sus siglas en inglés).

En Nevada, los reembolsos de Medicaid han sido menores; en el 2021, ocuparon el puesto 47 en el país. Los índices de reembolso de Medicaid en el estado apenas cubrieron un tercio de lo cubierto con las tarifas de las aseguradoras comerciales. Los funcionarios estatales han estado trabajando para aumentar los reembolsos y un reciente impuesto a servicios profesionales ha resultado útil.

“Hemos estado trabajando con los funcionarios estatales para cerrar esta brecha de Medicaid con el promedio nacional para poder conservar a los profesionales, mantener los costos bajos y que las familias se atiendan en el estado en lugar de tener que viajar millas para ello”, dijo Bernard. “Les agradecemos por el esfuerzo y nos complacerá continuar con la labor”. 

Intermountain Health anunció el pasado octubre la construcción de un hospital infantil integral en un terreno que consiguió en el Parque de Investigación y Tecnología Harry Reid de la UNLV. En enero, se anunció que los estudios Shepley Bulfinch y Gensler serán los arquitectos del proyecto. 

 Se espera que el trabajo en los cimientos comience el próximo año, y se proyecta que el hospital abra en 2030. El hospital nuevo tendrá espacio para más de 200 camas.

El Lincy Institute de la UNLV publicó el informe “Developing a Stand-Alone Hospital in Southern Nevada” en septiembre del año pasado, para el que Intermountain contribuyó con información incluida en el estudio de Applied Analysis. En el informe de Lincy, se afirma lo siguiente:

“La financiación y la inversión apropiadas en un modelo de atención médica pediátrica independiente sin fines de lucro son esenciales para garantizar la atención pediátrica coordinada y de alta calidad, y la buena compensación para los profesionales de atención médica. Un modelo organizacional sin fines de lucro con financiación de diversas fuentes (privadas, públicas y filantrópicas) es vital para invertir en la capacitación en residencias, investigación, retención del personal y la atracción de talento nuevo. La inversión en la atención médica para niños y adolescentes ofrece altos retornos a largo plazo mediante la prevención y la detección temprana”. 

Intermountain es un sistema de salud sin fines de lucro enfocado en la atención proactiva en contraste con un sistema de pago por los servicios. Así, el sistema se centra en los esfuerzos preventivos en lugar de las ganancias. 

"Este proyecto es histórico. Es la inversión más significativa en la salud de los niños en Nevada en esta generación. Para que funcione, reconocemos el papel vital que desempeñarán los donantes filantrópicos en la creación de un legado de atención que impactará a los niños ahora y a las generaciones venideras", dijo David Flood, director de desarrollo de Intermountain Health. "Este es realmente un momento en el tiempo para que las personas y las organizaciones tengan un impacto dramático en el bienestar de este gran estado, y más allá".

Intermountain Health cuenta con 34 hospitales, incluidos dos hospitales infantiles Primary Children de Intermountain en Utah. El Hospital Primary Children de Salt Lake City cuenta aproximadamente con 287 camas, incluidas 23 camas de salud conductual, y el nuevo predio Larry H. and Gail Miller Primary Children en Lehi, Utah, cuenta con 66 camas. 

Intermountain también reconoce el trabajo necesario para llegar a este punto. Muchos en el gran valle de Las Vegas y más allá han trabajado con diligencia para un hospital infantil integral.

“Agradecemos a los líderes, pediatras, empleados, hospitales y demás organizaciones que se han dedicado a atender a los niños durante tantos años. Es un privilegio unirnos a ellos para lograr el avance en la atención médica para los niños”, expresó Mitch Cloward, presidente de la región del desierto de Intermountain Health, que incluye al sur de Nevada y el sudoeste de Utah.

Puede obtener más información acerca de Intermountain Health en intermountainhealth.org.  

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Intermountain Health today announced Shepley Bulfinch and Gensler as the two architect firms that will design the upcoming stand-alone children’s hospital in southern Nevada.

The announcement marks a crucial step after the location was unveiled in October at UNLV’s Harry Reid Research and Technology Park.

“The selection of these two firms is a celebration as Intermountain conducted an extensive analysis to bring a state-of-the-art comprehensive children’s hospital here to Nevada,” said Lawrence Barnard, Intermountain Health assistant vice president of pediatrics in Nevada. “Shepley Bulfinch and Gensler both have very impressive backgrounds in designing healthcare facilities around the globe. Our goal of bringing essential specialty care to children, keeping families in state for care, is taking shape for our community.”

The team of Shepley Bulfinch and Gensler approached the Nevada Children’s Hospital with a singular commitment: improving outcomes for patients and their families. The firms share the belief that a patient-centered design approach produces the best environment for not only the patients but also their families, their clinicians, and the hospital staff. 

Shepley Bulfinch brings deep experience in pediatric healthcare design to this project. With a strong focus on patient and family centered solutions, the firm understands how spaces and systems influence patient and staff journeys, as well as daily operations. 

Drawing on its extensive portfolio, including 10 million square feet of recent healthcare projects, four million of which are dedicated to pediatric facility design — Shepley Bulfinch tailors environments to meet the unique needs of children of all ages, from toddlers to teens and their families. 

Shepley Bulfinch's approach prioritizes improved outcomes, productivity, and adaptability, addressing the wholistic well-being of patients in ever-evolving pediatric hospital settings.

“Design approaches must manage anxiety, reduce stress, and promote normalcy for patients and their families through an appropriate sense of scale and need for privacy so potentially intimidating spaces are infused with timeless design and a sense of fun,” said Shepley Bulfinch Principal Andre Kamili, AIA. “We are thrilled to bring this thinking to families throughout the Las Vegas community.”

“The Nevada Children’s Hospital is not just a much-needed addition to the healthcare landscape in Las Vegas, and the state of Nevada, but an opportunity to inform and quantify new ideas and approaches to pediatric healthcare,” said Candra Mathis, managing director of Gensler Las Vegas. “In partnership with Shepley Bullfinch and Intermountain Health, Gensler is thrilled to bring our comprehensive knowledge of Las Vegas and our deep cross-disciplinary experience to this exciting project, all in service of improving pediatric healthcare delivery and outcomes.”

“This hospital will greatly reduce strain on families already burdened by emotionally and physically challenging health conditions,” added Barnard. “Nevada’s children deserve to receive comprehensive care close to home.”

Construction, although very important, is just one part of the project. 

The clinical planning, organization, children’s health initiatives, and other workstreams needed for an undertaking of this magnitude began years ago, workforce planning (including sustainable recruitment), and more. 

Intermountain Health operates two children’s hospitals in Utah – Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital Salt Lake and Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital Lehi, which are both known for their high-quality and compassionate care. 

Intermountain Health offers patient care at more than 65 clinic locations across southern Nevada. With its extended provider network, Intermountain Health delivers patient-centered primary, specialty, and urgent care services to approximately 350,000 southern Nevadans in Clark and Nye counties.   

Learn more about Intermountain Health and follow the progress at intermountainhealth.org. 

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Child safety advocates at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital are seeing a rise in the number of parents unknowingly purchasing counterfeit car seats online for their children, which puts them at higher risk of serious injury – or worse – in case of a crash.

 These types of car seats are almost always purchased online and are enticing because of the steep discount in price compared to major brands. What often confuses parents is that these seats are found on the websites of major national retailers through third-party sellers.

 “It’s hard to tell a car seat is counterfeit from a small picture online, and many parents think they found a great deal from a major retailer,” said Michelle Jamison, community health program manager at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “Once they realize there’s a problem and try to return it, the site they got it from has already been taken down.”

 For years, Intermountain Primary Children’s has offered both in-person and virtual car seat checks to help educate parents about proper installation and correct use of car seats.

 Jamison says that’s where caregivers started noticing more of these counterfeit seats, or those that don’t meet U.S. safety standards, popping up.

 The counterfeit car seats that Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital caregivers are seeing look legitimate and can cost hundreds of dollars. But many of these are missing key components that keep children safe in a crash, and they worry that using these seats could have deadly consequences.

 One of those parents is Jilian Davis.

 Davis was gifted a car seat during her pregnancy from a family member who bought it online from a major retailer.  After giving birth in late June, her daughter had to spend two weeks in NICU at Intermountain LDS Hospital & Intermountain Primary Children’s before she went home. As they were set to leave the hospital, a car seat tech who was helping them, realized it was counterfeit.

 “It’s completely shocking because this is my fourth child and I’ve never heard of this being an issue,” said Davis. “It’s scary to think I could have been driving around with my child in a car seat that’s dangerous.” 

 Caregivers at Intermountain Primary Children’s gifted Davis a car seat to use, but now she wants to warn other parents and their families who might unknowingly buy a counterfeit model.

 Experts say the best way to avoid counterfeit car seats is to buy directly from the manufacturer’s website or go to a store in person to purchase the seat. All these models will be legitimate and meet safety standards.

 “Parents may think an in-store purchase is more expensive but what they’re really getting is the peace of mind their child’s car seat is safe,” said Jamison. “While some models are pricey, there are less expensive ones that are still crash tested and safe.”

 There are several things required on car seats to meet stringent federal safety standards, and parents should look closely to see if any are missing to know if it’s counterfeit.

 All car seats are required to have a manufacturers label which includes the name of the car seat, date of manufacture, branding, model number, and expiration date.

 This information is used to help register your car seat which allows manufacturers to notify you of any recalls. Counterfeit car seats don’t have the number and make it ineligible to register.

 To meet safety standards car seats in the U.S., seats must also include warning labels written in both English and Spanish. They can be found on the back of the car seat but are also required in the area near where the baby’s head rests at the top of the seat.

 Counterfeit car seats are often missing the labels, or they’re written in another language. Sometimes these labels have grammatical errors, and the wording doesn’t make sense.

 Experts note a missing chest clip is an immediate sign a car seat isn’t safe. They’re required in the United States but not in every country, which is why counterfeit seats usually don’t have them.

 “If you determine that you have a counterfeit car seat, stop using it immediately and contact the retailer to notify them that they sold a counterfeit car seat,” Jamison said. “You may be able to recover the cost of the seat if you used a credit card or purchased through a major retailer.”

 Parents can also report it through STOPfakes.gov, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the U.S. Department of Commerce via their contact form.

They should also submit a report through their state’s consumer protection agency. 

 For help with evaluating or installing your car seat, find a technician near you or call Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital to book a virtual or in-person car seat check at 801-662-CARS.

 For more information go to primarychildrens.org/safety.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: Images and video available upon request.