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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Intermountain Children’s Health has launched a new pediatric asthma initiative designed to help children receive more timely, consistent, and evidence-based care closer to home.

The goal of the new initiative is to help kids breathe easier, avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, and return to the activities they love.

The Intermountain initiative builds on proven asthma care practices at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, where changes in emergency medicine treatment has helped avoid about one in four hospitalizations for children with asthma.

Intermountain Children’s Health caregivers are now working to expand the same standard of care across other emergency departments at hospitals, urgent care clinics, and KidsCare clinics throughout Utah.

Asthma attacks can be frightening for children and their families.

During an attack, airways tighten, swell, and fill with mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Without the right treatment early, children may need emergency care, hospital admission, or transfer to a higher level of care.

To address this condition, Intermountain Children’s Health caregivers developed a standardized approach that helps care teams treat asthma symptoms quickly and consistently, regardless of where a child receives care.

“By acting quickly, caregivers can stabilize symptoms sooner, prevent escalation and transfers that take a child far from home, and reduce the need for hospital admission.,” said Mike Johnson, MD, a pediatrician in the emergency department at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and an asthma care advocate. “We want caregivers to have every tool they need to start treatment sooner, when it can have the greatest impact.”

The initiative focuses on early treatment for children experiencing moderate to severe asthma attacks.

As part of this care process model, caregivers administer critical medications, including oral steroids, along with breathing treatments such as albuterol, as early as possible to open airways and reduce inflammation before hospitalization becomes necessary.

The work is already improving pediatric asthma care in emergency departments and the urgent care clinics across Utah.

At Intermountain Health, approximately 70% of the children with asthma in emergency departments now receive steroid within 60 minutes of arrival. This early intervention is helping kids get the right treatment closer to home.

In urgent care and KidsCare clinics across Utah, care teams are working to give steroids before albuterol treatment whenever appropriate.

This gives the steroid more time to work, may help reduce vomiting after treatment, and can help prevent a child from needing a transfer to an emergency department or hospital for admission.

More than 80% of children now receive a steroid before other treatments are started.

Together, these changes are helping more children receive the right care sooner and avoid unnecessary hospital stays. As the work expands to more sites, Intermountain Children’s Health leaders expect to prevent about one-fourth of asthma-related hospitalizations and transfers.

“The biggest win is that children across the state of Utah can now receive the same high standard of care in any Intermountain Health emergency department, urgent care clinic, or KidsCare location that they would get at Primary Children’s Hospital,” said Angelene Hunt, pediatric acute care clinical program manager for Intermountain Children’s Health.

The initiative also extends beyond hospital walls. Intermountain Health is partnering with local first responders, including South Davis Metro Fire, to begin treatment even before children arrive at the hospital.

“We’ve partnered with South Davis Metro Fire so children can receive medications like oral steroids and effective breathing treatments before they get to the emergency department,” said Tanner Trujillo, director of respiratory care services operations for pediatrics at Intermountain Health.

The initiative first launched in Intermountain Health clinics in Utah and is already showing promise as a scalable model for pediatric asthma care. 

Leaders now plan to expand the approach across the health system’s multi-state service area, so more children have access to timely, evidence-based care close to home.

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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 Primary Children’s Hospital invites the public to ring in the holiday season and support patients in need at the 55^th annual Festival of Trees, a treasured Utah holiday tradition open to the public Dec. 3-6 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.

The Festival of Trees features 550 beautiful, handcrafted holiday trees twinkling with a half-million lights, wreaths, nativities, gingerbread houses, quilts, centerpieces and more for auction and purchase.

There will also be scones, live music and dance performances, visits with Santa Claus, and 5,000 pounds of locally renowned Festival of Trees fudge. All items are made and donated by community volunteers from Utah and surrounding states.

Funds raised will support Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, provide care to patients in need, and continue building the nation’s model health system for children.

The Festival of Trees is presented by Intermountain Foundation – and brought to life by a dedicated 87-member volunteer board. Tickets and information about sale items and silent auction, scheduled from 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, are available at FestivalofTreesUtah.org.

“There is nothing like the Festival of Trees to begin the holiday season in a fun and meaningful way,” said Dustin Lipson, president of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “Many items have been lovingly curated, with every detail chosen to honor a Primary Children’s Hospital patient. We’re grateful for the countless donated items and community support that has helped generations of children to heal and thrive at Primary Children’s Hospital for 55 years – and counting.”  

Attending the festival will help kids like Livie.

At just 14 years old, Livie was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a rare form of bone marrow cancer. Livie began treatment with a class of chemotherapy medications specifically designed to target CML, but after a year, they stopped being effective. She needed a bone marrow transplant.

The hospital team began searching for a bone marrow donor through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). They also planned to use a cutting-edge stem cell transplant technique called Alpha/beta T-cell depletion. This method uses nano magnetic beads to selectively remove the donor’s alpha/beta immune cells before transplantation. The result: a significant reduction in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and fewer medications needed post-transplant.

Livie became the first patient at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital to receive this type of transplant. And it worked. After six weeks in the hospital, she was able to return home and begin the long process of rebuilding her immune system.

“My doctors and nurses were not only my medical team – they became my closest allies and friends,” Livie said. “Their compassion and professionalism made an incredibly isolating journey more bearable, especially during nearly a year in quarantine.”

Today, Livie is 17, a senior in high school, and cancer-free. She loves pickleball, baking, and reading thrillers. She’s also an active member of her school’s HOSA Future Health Professionals organization and proudly advocates for the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), helping raise awareness about the importance of bone marrow donations.

“I’m honored to serve as a Patient Champion for the Festival of Trees and am grateful for the chance to share my story, and to give back to Primary’s Children's Hospital in return for all that my family and I have been given,” she said. “If you want to help save a life and be a bone marrow donor, please see the NMDP booth at the Festival of Trees to swab and join the registry.”

The community can help kids like Olivia receive the innovative, compassionate, expert care they need by attending Festival of Trees Dec. 3-6.

Fun Facts

·         550 trees twinkling with a half-million lights

·         5,000 pounds of locally renowned Festival of Trees fudge

·         80,000+ annual attendees

·         $3.4 million raised in 2024

Festival Info

·         Open Wednesday, Dec. 3 – Saturday, Dec. 6, at Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy

·         Silent auction Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 4:30-9 p.m. at FestivalofTreesUtah.org

·         Tickets at Mountain America Expo Center or at FestivalofTreesUtah.org

·         Bid on or buy gifts Dec. 2-6 at FestivalofTreesUtah.org.

·         Information at FestivalofTreesUtah.org.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: Images and video available upon request.

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.

As kids return to school beginning this week in Nevada on Monday, bicycles, scooters, and e-bikes will be increasing around Clark County. This is also at the time that first responders have seen an alarming rise in the number of crashes and fatalities involving these modes of transportations for children and adults. 

The Intermountain West also has the fourth-highest traumatic brain injury hospitalization rate in the country for children. Some of these injuries could be prevented by wearing a helmet. 

Child trauma incidents historically rise in the summer months, and peak in July. 

“I have personally seen the profound impact of the head injuries that can occur in our children here from bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and more,” said Taryn Bragg, MD, pediatric neurosurgeon with Intermountain Health in Las Vegas. “Traumatic brain injuries can be devastating for kids and their families with lifelong aftereffects. Helmets, and proper-fitting ones at that, are vital to our safety for our children, as well as adults.”

Dr. Bragg is the only full-time, board-certified pediatric neurosurgeon in the entire state of Nevada. She sees the effects that head injuries have on families on a near-daily basis.  

 Parents can check the fit of their child’s helmet by making sure of the following:

• The helmet fits snugly and sits level on the child’s head. 
• The helmet fits two finger widths above the child’s eyebrow
• The side strap V-shape fits just under the child’s ears.
• One adult’s finger can fit between the child’s chin and the strap. 

“Helmets are not a one size fits all situation,” said Will Rucker, Nevada Community Health director. “As parents, and as a community, we need to be sure that our vulnerable children are protected as much as possible. Make sure those helmets fit and are being worn properly.” 

Safe Kids of Clark County have been working diligently with communities to get the word out on bike helmet safety.  

“Parents should take the time to ride or walk the route to school with their children, to make sure that they are always following the rules of the road. Also, remember the helmet is the most important piece of equipment that the child must have,” said Jeanne Marsala, MSN, RN, Executive Director Clark County Safe Kids.

Officials in Nevada have been working to help curb the injuries and fatalities over recent years. New e-scooter ordinances that began May 21, 2025, detailing several new restrictions including a speed limit of 15 mph and limits on riding in park areas, and riders under age 18 must wear a helmet.

“Please, slow down in school zones, obey crossing guards, and stay alert for children biking and walking to school,” said Commissioner Michael Naft. “It is a responsibility of drivers to acknowledge and share the road with all road users. By remaining mindful and considerate of all modes of transportation in school zones, we can ensure a great start to the school year.”

Intermountain Health is committed to strengthening collaborations with local organizations, state and local officials, and community advocates working to prevent and decrease injuries for children. This commitment is part of the Intermountain Community Health Needs Assessment.

The bike safety event was held at Amplus Academy and the school participated with several students’ showing proper helmet safety while riding a bike course. Amplus Academy is next to the site where Nevada’s first comprehensive stand-alone children’s hospital will be built to meet growing regional children’s health needs. It will include specialty-based care, such as oncology and cardiovascular services, and others that patients have had to travel out-of-state to receive this care. 

The new children’s hospital, projected to be completed by 2030, is an historic initiative that 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.      

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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.

LAS VEGAS: Intermountain Health, The Gardner Group y la Fundación de Investigación de la Universidad de Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLVRF, por sus siglas en inglés) anunciaron recientemente que firmaron el contrato de arrendamiento del terreno en el Parque de Investigación y Tecnología Harry Reid de la Universidad de Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV, por sus siglas en inglés).  

En octubre, estas tres entidades firmaron los contratos para la construcción de un hospital de niños integral en el terreno. Se celebró una ceremonia de inauguración de un cartel que marcaba esa ubicación con la presencia de los líderes de Intermountain, los líderes de la UNLV, funcionarios locales y estatales, defensores de la comunidad y el gobernador Joe Lombardo. El cartel dice: “Futura ubicación del primer hospital de niños integral independiente en Nevada”.  

Cuando se termine, el hospital de niños de Intermountain Health será el primer hospital independiente en Nevada que se dedique completa y exclusivamente a la salud de los niños. El hospital incluye atención especializada, como oncología y cardiología, además de otros servicios que no se brindaban en el estado. 

El nuevo hospital de niños es una iniciativa histórica que posiblemente represente una de las oportunidades más significativas, transformadoras y emocionantes de promover la salud de los niños en Nevada. La filantropía y las alianzas comunitarias serán fundamentales a la hora de convertir esta visión en una realidad.   

“A medida que damos este paso trascendental, quiero expresar mi agradecimiento hacia la UNLV y hacia los muchísimos otros socios locales de atención médica y organizaciones comunitarias que se han unido a nosotros en este esfuerzo por mejorar el acceso a la atención pediátrica altamente especializada”, dijo Mitch Cloward, presidente de Intermountain Health en la región de Desert, que incluye el sur de Nevada y el sudoeste de Utah. “El hospital es solo una parte de un esfuerzo integral entre Intermountain Health y muchos socios comunitarios apasionados para mejorar la salud y el bienestar general de los niños de Nevada. Otras áreas de enfoque incluyen la mejora del acceso a la atención, la alineación de equipos multidisciplinarios en todo el estado para coordinar mejor la atención y la resolución de problemas, y la proporción proactiva de recursos a las comunidades a fin de preservar la salud de los niños”.   

El diseño del hospital está en marcha, al igual que la planificación clínica y de personal, incluso el reclutamiento sustentable.  Ahora, los arquitectos podrán adaptar el trabajo al sitio específico, y la firma del contrato también representa que se podrá avanzar con los planes de construcción. 

“Mejorar los resultados de salud para los niños de nuestra comunidad es un objetivo que todos compartimos, y este consenso es un paso importante en el camino hacia la construcción de la infraestructura y el apoyo necesarios para cumplir las necesidades de atención médica de nuestra región en crecimiento”, dijo Chris Harvey, presidente interino de la UNLV. “En nombre de la universidad y la Fundación de Investigación de la UNLV, nos emociona formar parte de la llegada de este importante recurso comunitario al sur de Nevada y al Parque de Investigación y Tecnología Harry Reid de la UNLV”.   

“Hoy es un día de celebración, ya que avanzamos con el primer hospital de niños independiente del sur de Nevada. No ha sido un recorrido fácil, por lo que resulta gratificante ver cómo se materializa”, dijo Dan Stewart, presidente de Development Nevada, Gardner Group. “Esto cambia la cara visible de la atención médica en nuestro mercado y les otorga un recurso muy necesario a todos los habitantes de Nevada”. 

En enero, se anunció a las compañías Shepley Bulfinch y Gensler como arquitectos del proyecto y, posteriormente, iniciaron el diseño, un proceso que durará la mayor parte de este año. Los contratistas se anunciarán en un futuro cercano.  

La colocación de cimientos está prevista para comienzos de 2026, y la apertura del hospital para el 2030. El nuevo hospital tendrá capacidad para más de 200 camas.  

El hospital brindará atención altamente especializada para niños y familias en Nevada, generará un impulso económico de 724 millones de dólares para el estado durante los cinco años previstos de construcción y emitirá 841 millones de dólares anuales de rendimiento económico una vez que esté funcionando, según un estudio de investigación clínica independiente realizado por Applied Analysis.   

"Este es un paso significativo tanto para Intermountain Health como para los residentes del sur de Nevada," dijo Michael Naft, comisionado del condado de Clark. “El hospital infantil independiente brindará a las familias acceso a cuidados críticos, y su presencia ayudará en los esfuerzos de nuestra región para reclutar a los médicos capacitados que necesitamos desesperadamente.”

Intermountain Health brinda atención a pacientes de 80 clínicas en más de 65 ubicaciones en todo el sur de Nevada. Con su amplia red de proveedores, Intermountain Health brinda servicios de atención primaria, especializada y cuidados de urgencia centrados en el paciente a aproximadamente 350,000 (trescientos cincuenta mil) personas del sur de Nevada en los condados de Clark y Nye.    

Obtenga más información sobre Intermountain Health en intermountainhealth.org.  

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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 – 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 – Intermountain Health has selected longtime healthcare leader Lawrence Barnard as the new president of the upcoming first stand-alone children’s hospital in Nevada.

The selection of Barnard follows an extensive search. Barnard begins his new role immediately, moving from his current position as associate vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health in Nevada.

"Larry’s extensive experience in healthcare leadership and deep connections to Nevada and Las Vegas make him the ideal first president of the Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital, which is expected to start serving patients and families in 2030,” said Katy Welkie, vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health. “We look forward to the transformative benefits he’ll continue to inspire in the communities we serve.”

Barnard will guide the hospital through construction and oversee operations after its grand opening. As part of that process, he’ll develop long-term strategies, lead hiring, staffing and training, support day-to-day operations, ensure financial stewardship, and oversee community engagement.

Barnard, who is the former chief executive officer of University Medical Center in Southern Nevada, has made it a priority to bring a comprehensive children’s hospital to the area to better serve children and families in the state.  

“For too long, we have seen families struggle more than they needed to when they get a diagnosis or traumatic injury, where they had to leave the state to care for their loved one,” Barnard said. “It has become my personal mission to make sure that they will now get the best quality care here, near their home.”

Last October, Intermountain Health announced its plans to build a children’s hospital in Southern Nevada. A groundbreaking is planned for later this year.

Barnard joined Intermountain in 2021 to lead efforts to expand pediatric care services in the state by collaborating with leaders and caregiver teams across the region and the Intermountain Health system, as well as focusing on positive clinical outcomes, quality, patient experiences, and improved access for children and families.

“Larry’s commitment to improving pediatric care in Nevada is unwavering, and his vision will be pivotal as we continue to build the nation’s model health system for children in the state,” said Mitch Cloward, president of Intermountain Health’s Desert Region. “He will be instrumental in lifting up our families and our communities.”

Barnard’s journey in healthcare leadership in Las Vegas includes service as market president for Nevada for Dignity Health (CommonSpirit Health).

Barnard is U.S. Military veteran and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. As a captain in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2006, Barnard served as an aviation officer/adjutant general officer.

To learn more about the upcoming Intermountain Nevada Children’s Hospital and Intermountain Health go to 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’s construction of the first stand-alone children’s hospital in Nevada stands to boost children’s health and wellbeing – and Nevada’s economy. 

The new hospital is expected to keep children and families in Nevada for health care needs, give the state a $724 million economic boost during five years of anticipated construction, and $841 million in annual economic output once the hospital opens, according to an independent research study conducted by Applied Analysis.  

“It was important for us from the beginning to complete all due diligence towards the goal of the first stand-alone children’s hospital,” said Lawrence Barnard, Intermountain Health AVP of Pediatrics in Nevada. “This work has been multifaceted, strategic, analytical, and required years of hard work and determination.” 

Intermountain Health contracted with Applied Analysis to conduct independent research prior to its October announcement to build a children’s hospital in Southern Nevada. This large analysis, that was returned in early 2024, included the health needs of the pediatric Nevada population, economic impacts from building a facility, and the size and scope of a children’s hospital to fulfill the needs of the state. 

The analysis was included in part in the UNLV Lincy Institute report, “Developing a Stand-Alone Hospital in Southern Nevada” issued last September.  

Here are some key findings:  

The new hospital would help families stay in Nevada for pediatric care. In 2023, Nevada reported 29,802 children and youth under age 21 received care out of state.  The payments to those out-of-state providers were over $123 million.   

“This does not include the immense toll families had to pay financially, and the mental stress, to get their children specialized care in those states – sometimes needing to be away from home for days and weeks,” said Barnard. 

Construction is projected to bring a projected $724 million boost for the five years the hospital is being built.   

Once open, the hospital is expected to create 1,334 jobs including health care providers and other clinical and related professionals.  

“Recruitment efforts and workforce planning are already under way to prepare for when the doors open. We will be ready,” Barnard said.  

The hospital is expected to create $841 million in annual economic output.  

Time Is Now 

A children’s hospital in the state has been historically financially unfeasible. For example, children have a higher share of the population, above the national average, at 21.7 percent of the population. That population represents a disproportionate amount of Medicaid enrollees. Around 20 percent of all adults are Medicaid enrollees, while 52.4 percent of all Nevada children are on Medicaid and CHIP. 

In Nevada, Medicaid reimbursements have been lower; in 2021 they ranked 47^th in the country. The reimbursement rates from Medicaid in the state covered roughly a third of what commercial insurers’ rates covered. State officials have been working to increase reimbursements and a recent provider tax has helped the situation. 

“We have been working with state officials to help bring this Medicaid gap closer to the national average which helps retain providers, keep costs down, and families here in the state versus seeking care miles away,” Barnard said. “We thank them for their efforts and look forward to continue the work.” 

Intermountain Health announced last October that it was building a comprehensive children’s hospital on land it secured in UNLV’s Harry Reid Research and Technology Park. In January the firms Shepley Bulfinch and Gensler were announced as architects for the project. 

 Groundbreaking is expected within the next year, and the hospital is projected to open by 2030. The new hospital will be sized to accommodate more than 200 beds. 

UNLV Lincy Institute released the “Developing a Stand-Alone Hospital in Southern Nevada” report last September, in which Intermountain contributed the information contained in the Applied Analysis study. 

The Lincy report states: “Proper funding and investment in an independent not-for-profit pediatric healthcare model are essential to ensure high quality, coordinated pediatric care and well-compensated healthcare professionals. A nonprofit organizational model with funding from multiple sources — private, public, and philanthropic — is vital for investing in residency training, research, retaining staff, and attracting new talent. Investing in healthcare for children and adolescents offers high long-term returns through prevention and early detection.” 

Intermountain is a not-for-profit health system that focuses on proactive care aimed at reducing overall medical costs. This gives the system the ability to focus on the preventative efforts rather than profits. 

This gives the system the ability to focus on the preventative efforts rather than profits. 

“This project is historic. The most significant investment in children’s health within Nevada in this generation. To make it work, we recognize the vital role philanthropic donors will play in creating a legacy of care that will impact kids now and for generations to come,” said David Flood, Intermountain Health chief development officer. “This is truly a moment in time for individuals and organizations to have dramatic impact on the wellbeing of this great State, and beyond.” 

Intermountain Health has 34 hospitals, including two locations of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Utah. The Primary Children’s Salt Lake City location has approximately 287 beds, including 23 behavioral health beds, and its new Larry H. and Gail Miller Primary Children’s Campus in Lehi, Utah, has 66 beds.  

Intermountain also recognizes the work required to get to this point. There are many across the greater Las Vegas valley and beyond who have worked diligently for a comprehensive children’s hospital. 

“We are grateful for the leaders, pediatricians, caregivers, hospitals and other organizations who have dedicated themselves to caring for children for many years.  We are privileged to join with them in helping to advance healthcare for the children we serve,” said Mitch Cloward, president of Intermountain Health’s Desert Region, which includes southern Nevada and southwest Utah. 

Learn more about Intermountain Health at 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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Intermountain Health reveló hoy un letrero para el futuro hospital infantil autónomo en el Parque de Investigación y Tecnología Harry Reid de la Universidad de Nevada en Las Vegas (UNLV, por sus siglas en inglés). Ya ha iniciado la planificación del diseño de este proyecto. Más adelante, se darán a conocer más detalles a medida que se desarrolle el proyecto. 

Esta mañana en el lugar donde estará el futuro hospital, los líderes de Intermountain revelaron un letrero que dice: La futura sede del primer hospital infantil autónomo de Nevada. 

“Intermountain Health reconoce que una atención infantil integral y especializada cerca del hogar reduce bastante el estrés para las familias que ya se ven afectadas por la carga de enfermedades que son desafiantes a nivel físico y emocional, indicó Mitch Cloward, presidente de la región del desierto de Intermountain Health, que incluye a Nevada y el sur de Utah. “Estamos agradecidos por los pediatras, empleados, hospitales y demás organizaciones que se han dedicado a atender a los niños durante muchos años. Tenemos el privilegio de unirnos a ellos para potenciar la atención médica de los niños que atendemos”.

“Este es el primer paso hacia una sociedad con la comunidad para traer a Las Vegas este hospital infantil autónomo que hace tanto se necesita”, declaró Cloward. 

Ya ha comenzado el diseño del hospital, así como la planificación de las actividades clínicas y la fuerza laboral, lo que incluye un reclutamiento sostenible.

Intermountain Health ofrece atención a pacientes en más de 65 clínicas en el sur de Nevada. Con su extensa red de profesionales, Intermountain Health brinda servicios de atención médica primaria, especializada y urgente enfocada en el paciente a unos 350,000 residentes de los condados de Clark y Nye en el sur de Nevada.  

Este logro solo se alcanzará con la construcción de una coalición amplia de socios filantrópicos, clínicos y comunitarios comprometidos con una atención médica infantil excepcional. Además de la planificación del diseño, la Fundación de Intermountain Health contribuirá para hacer realidad la visión del hospital infantil y los servicios creando sociedades con los líderes comunitarios, partidarios clave y donantes filantrópicos.

“Reconocemos el rol vital que cumplen los donantes filantrópicos al crear un legado de atención que afectará a los niños de ahora y de las próximas generaciones”, indicó David Flood, director de desarrollo de Intermountain Health. “Invitamos a los vecinos y líderes de la comunidad a participar de una experiencia realmente transformadora que no solo ampliará el acceso a la atención médica, sino que también fortalecerá el entramado de nuestra comunidad”. 

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