Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals presented on April 9, the national recognition highlights excellence in pediatric care
April 15, 2025 – Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, part of Lee Health, has been awarded the 2025 Hospital Impact Award by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). The prestigious recognition was announced during Children’s Hospitals Week, held at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
Golisano was honored with the first award of the evening which celebrates exceptional commitment to pediatric healthcare and community engagement. The hospital was recognized for its unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children and families across Southwest Florida and for pioneering sensory-friendly care, including introducing the nation’s first sensory-friendly ambulance and becoming only the second hospital in the country to achieve Certified Autism Center™ designation. These milestones highlight Golisano’s leadership in creating inclusive, accessible care environments for children of all needs and abilities.
“This award is a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff, generous donors, and community partners,” said Dr. Emad Salman, vice president and chief physician executive at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Their collective commitment ensures that we can provide exceptional care to every child who walks through our doors.”
In 2024, the hospital raised nearly $1.5 million through CMN Hospitals to support and advance critical pediatric care in Southwest Florida. The funds raised are essential to advancing care at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Also in 2024, the hospital performed 5,398 surgeries, including 140 neurosurgeries, and treated thousands of young patients, with 951 admissions to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and 48,202 visits to the Emergency Department. More than 65% of these patients were uninsured or underinsured.
“We are deeply honored to receive the 2025 Hospital Impact Award,” said Alyssa Kasiewicz, chief nursing and operations executive at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality care to the children and families of Southwest Florida.”
For more information about Golisano Children’s Hospital and pediatric healthcare in Southwest Florida, visit GiveGolisano.org.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida is nationally recognized for the quality care of pediatric patients. Established in 1994, Golisano is the only recognized children’s hospital in Southwest Florida. Ranked a U.S. News Top 100 Hospital for Pediatric Cancer, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Nephrology, and Pediatric Urology in 2023, as well as a 2022 Leapfrog Top Children’s Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital serves more than 45,000 patients every year in relation to more than 30 specialty pediatric services such as cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics and more. Lee Health opened the current hospital building in May 2017 which offers 135-beds and includes comprehensive pediatric services such as a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $7 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support, and learn about your member hospital, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.