Strong Foundations: Caring for Children and Families for more than 125 Years
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By: Andrea Kunicky
This is the third piece in a series about the many hospital foundations that support UPMC’s mission to serve the community.
More than 125 years ago, the Pittsburgh community came together to establish the region’s only children’s hospital, and in the time since, community members have continued to invest in an institution that has grown to become one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals.
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is a leader in the treatment of childhood conditions and diseases, a pioneer in the development of new and improved therapies, and a top educator of the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists.
The 315-bed hospital in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, is the hub of a system that includes nine outreach locations throughout western Pennsylvania and West Virginia, an ambulatory surgery center, and a network of more than 40 pediatric primary care practices, many of which include behavioral health and weight management care embedded within the practice environment.
Children’s Hospital is consistently named to several elite lists of pediatric hospitals, including ranking 10th among children’s hospitals and schools of medicine (2015) in funding for pediatric research provided by the National Institutes of Health, and is one of 11 pediatric hospitals in the United States named to U.S. News & World Report’s Honor Roll of America’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” for 2016-2017. Children’s Hospital also has received Magnet® Recognition for Nursing Excellence, a prestigious award granted to only 7 percent of hospitals nationwide.
Philanthropy helps make it all possible
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation is the sole fundraising arm of Children’s Hospital. Through targeted campaigns, special events and grants, the foundation raises money to support the hospital’s mission of excellence in patient care, teaching and research.
Generous donations large and small from individuals, corporations, foundations and community partners have a direct and immediate impact on the ability of Children’s Hospital to transform young lives through unparalleled care and deep compassion.
There are many ways to get involved in supporting programs and research at Children’s Hospital. Whether volunteering time at the hospital or hosting a fundraising event, help from generous community members is integral in keeping the hospital moving forward.
The foundation has numerous events throughout the year. The signature event, Walk for Children’s, is in its second year, and serves as an opportunity for patients, caretakers, families and individuals throughout the community to get involved and give back to the hospital.
At last year’s walk, more than 2,500 walkers participated, raising more than $610,000. This year’s event will be held June 3 at Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park, Pennsylvania.
In addition, employees and professional staff make a tremendous impact throughout the hospital. CHP Cares is a new initiative that encourages staff to get involved, give back and make a real difference all year long. Children’s Hospital employees are ambassadors, and through their philanthropy, the mission and vision of Children’s Hospital stays strong.
