Tom Golisano Announces Newly Formed Golisano Children’s Alliance, Building on University of Rochester’s Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Pioneering Legacy

The newly announced Golisano Children’s Alliance, generously funded by entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader Tom Golisano, marks a major milestone in advancing pediatric healthcare. The Alliance will unite 10 children’s hospitals across eight states to share expertise, expand specialized services, and ensure that families have access to exceptional care as close to home as possible.

This national initiative builds on a legacy that began more than 20 years ago with the creation of the first Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center. At that time, Mr. Golisano’s transformational gift helped establish a pediatric critical care unit within an adult hospital, a vision that has since grown into a state-of-the-art, eight-story facility designed entirely around the needs of children and families and also made possible by his generosity. 

Golisano Children’s Hospital Physician-in-Chief Jill Halterman, MD, MPH (far left) and URMC CEO David Linehan, MD (far right) with the Patel family, who received care at the University of Rochester’s Golisano Children’s Hospital

“It is a profound honor for Rochester to have been the first Golisano Children’s Hospital,” said Jill Halterman, MD, MPH, physician-in-chief of Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center. “Mr. Golisano’s generosity transformed pediatric care in our region, and his continued investment in children’s health, especially at a time when many health systems are struggling to sustain these services, stands out as a powerful affirmation of the value of pediatric care.”

Since its founding more than twenty years ago, Mr. Golisano’s philanthropy has enabled Rochester’s Golisano Children’s Hospital to care for tens of thousands of children annually, perform thousands of surgeries, and welcome over 12,000 newborns into its neonatal intensive care unit. His ongoing support in Rochester has also made possible the Golisano Behavioral Health and Wellness Center and the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute, ensuring that children with complex needs receive comprehensive, compassionate care close to home.

“Mr. Golisano’s donations have helped us transform how we care for children, particularly those with complex needs,” said Kathy Parrinello, RN, PhD, president and CEO of the University of Rochester’s Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals. “His gifts have allowed us to bring together clinical services, research, education, and advocacy to provide compassionate and innovative care in comfortable environments designed entirely around kids and families. The Golisano Children’s Alliance is yet another step in our journey to continue providing the best possible care, as we and the other member hospitals benefit from the strength of our collective expertise.”

“Children’s health has always been a priority for me, and it’s been deeply rewarding to see how the Golisano Children’s Hospitals are making a profound impact,” said Mr. Golisano. “I am fortunate to be able to help others in this way, and I’m looking forward to seeing what these hospitals can achieve together.”

The Golisano Children’s Alliance includes existing Golisano Children’s Hospitals in Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Fort Myers, FL, as well as six newly supported hospitals in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Maryland, Vermont, and West Virginia. Together, these institutions will work to advance pediatric medicine by exchanging knowledge, fostering innovation, and aligning efforts to improve outcomes for children everywhere.

“Golisano Children’s Hospital of Rochester is proud to bring our experience and leadership to this new collaboration,” Halterman said. “By working together, we can build a healthier future for children and communities across the country.”