Miami Children's Hospital Becomes Nicklaus Children's Hospital

(Press release, March 19, 2015) — Originally founded as Variety Children's Hospital in 1950, Miami Children's Hospital unveiled a logo featuring its new Nicklaus Children's Hospital name, during a press conference with golf icon Jack Nicklaus and his wife Barbara. The new name is effective March 20, on the hospital's 65^th anniversary. In addition, the hospital's eight outpatient centers will also assume the Nicklaus name.

"We are deeply honored that our name will be associated with a healthcare organization that so many know and trust throughout the world," said Jack and Barbara Nicklaus in a joint statement. "Children are our region's most precious and vulnerable resource. We have heeded a call to make a difference for all children in need and have found a worthy partner in Miami Children's Health System. The organization shares our passion and commitment to care excellence. We are delighted that we are further united in our common purpose."

The name change is in recognition of a $60 million pledge from the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation to the Miami Children's Health System. The Miami Children's Health Foundation, which raises funds for the health system, is currently in the midst of its Together for the Children Campaign, aimed at raising $150 million by 2017.

Dr. Narendra Kini, President and CEO of Miami Children's Health System, said, "The 65^th anniversary celebration presents a perfect opportunity to treasure our past and embrace a new name and future for our hospital and outpatient centers. We are the same great nonprofit network of healthcare facilities for children made stronger by the generous philanthropic support of the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation and Jack and Barbara Nicklaus. Tomorrow, we will host a celebration for our employees in honor of our milestone anniversary and this new chapter in our long and proud shared history."

In addition to the pledge, the Nicklauses will also serve as the chairs of the Together for the Children Campaign and will spearhead fundraising efforts to support major enhancements for the hospital, including supporting construction of the planned 212,000-square-foot Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion, now in progress. This new facility will include provisions for three new family-centered intensive care units. Funds will also support emergency and trauma preparedness, and enhance globally recognized centers for excellence at the hospital.

"We are truly grateful for Jack and Barbara's long-term commitment and generosity to our mission of providing health and happiness to children everywhere," said Lucy Morillo, President and CEO of Miami Children's Health Foundation. "As chairs of the Together for The Children campaign, they will help us ensure that we not only reach our $150 million goal, but hopefully exceed it."

Miami Children's Health System, the parent organization for the hospital, outpatient centers, foundation and other entities, will retain its name, as will Miami Children's Health Foundation. The hospital and its network of facilities will embrace new names as follows:

• Nicklaus Children's Hospital (main campus near Coral Gables)
• Nicklaus Children's Dan Marino Outpatient Center (Weston)
• Nicklaus Children's Doral Outpatient Center
• Nicklaus Children's Miami Lakes Outpatient Center
• Nicklaus Children's Midtown Outpatient Center
• Nicklaus Children's Miramar Outpatient Center
• Nicklaus Children's Palm Beach Gardens Outpatient Center
• Nicklaus Children's Palmetto Bay Outpatient Center
• Nicklaus Children's West Kendall Outpatient Center

The outpatient centers offer a variety of pediatric services. Most offer after-hours urgent care services (with the exception of the Dan Marino facility in Weston) as well as pediatric rehabilitation services, imaging services and subspecialty medical appointments.