The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has committed $20 million to Intermountain Health to expand pediatric behavioral health specialty services in Nevada. This represents one of the largest philanthropic investments in the state’s history and is aimed at addressing critical gaps in access to advanced pediatric mental health care. The funding will ensure that children and families can receive world-class care within their own communities, reducing the need to travel out of state.
This collaboration reflects the shared mission of both organizations to ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare regardless of geography. The Helmsley Charitable Trust has previously supported Nevada’s healthcare system through grants that expanded access to life-saving ECMO technology. Intermountain Health, nationally recognized for pediatric excellence, is building a comprehensive children’s hospital campus in Nevada, extending its century-long expertise to local families.
Trustee Walter Panzirer emphasized that the funding will support a comprehensive behavioral health care model, expanding access, improving continuity of care, and delivering evidence-based treatment across the full continuum of pediatric mental health. He noted that many children face behavioral challenges such as anger, anxiety, and depression, and that early intervention closer to home will reduce reliance on emergency and inpatient care.
Intermountain leaders highlighted that this investment accelerates momentum to broaden access to advanced pediatric services. David Flood, Chief Development Officer, described the commitment as a historic moment for children’s health in Nevada, while Mitch Cloward, Region President, stressed the importance of building world-class behavioral health care for generations to come.
The funding will also support Intermountain Foundation’s Nevada Campaign for Kids, chaired by Bill and Wendy Hornbuckle, which aims to establish a full continuum of pediatric specialty care across the region. This initiative will help keep families together during medical crises and improve long-term health outcomes.
The Helmsley Charitable Trust, which has awarded more than $900 million in grants to support rural health across the U.S. and Pacific territories, continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving lives through transformative healthcare investments.
