The children’s hospital in Buffalo will have a new name following a massive donation from a Rochester billionaire.
The John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, the only standalone children’s hospital in the state, will become the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo in January 2026. The name change follows a $50 million donation from Thomas Golisano, the founder of Paychex and the Golisano Foundation.
“I consider Buffalo, NY part of my hometown community, and am proud to make this investment in the heath of its children. This support is about ensuring that every child, no matter their circumstances, has access to the highest quality care close to home,” Golisano said in a statement.
The hospital opened in November 2018 with a gift of $10 million from the John R. Oishei Foundation and is operated by Kaleida Health. The $50 million from Golisano will be used to support advanced, specialized pediatric care, with equipment, technology and patient support programs among the benefits listed.
“As a Buffalo-native, who had the opportunity to complete my residency at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester before returning here to serve my hometown community, I understand what it means for our organization to be part of the Golisano family of children’s hospitals,” said Dr. Stephen Turkovich, president of Oishei Children’s Hospital. “Though we remain rooted here, as part of Kaleida Health, this partnership allows further collaboration and support in many ways with the other children’s hospitals that benefit from Mr. Golisano’s philanthropy.”
There are three existing and unaffiliated Golisano Children’s Hospitals in Rochester, Syracuse and Naples, Florida.
Golisano’s philanthropic efforts include an announcement of donations totaling $360 million to charities in Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse last fall. The nonprofit organizations include those in healthcare, education, animal welfare, disability services and general community needs. The awards will be paid out over a four-to-five-year period.
— Steve Howe reports on weather, climate and the Great Lakes for the Democrat and Chronicle. An RIT graduate, he has covered myriad topics over the years, including public safety, local government, national politics and economic development in New York and Utah.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Buffalo children’s hospital to be renamed after $50M Golisano gift
Reporting by Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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