Mattel, Inc. announced on Monday, March 13 a $50 million gift to UCLA Health that will fund an expansion of the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and help establish a world-class pediatric care center and research hub focused on improving children’s health.
A committed partner for more than 20 years, Mattel has provided more than $80 million to UCLA in support of the university and health care system.
Credit: UCLA Health
This donation from Mattel — the largest ever made to UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital — enables the hospital to build a “kids-only” system of care, ensuring the child’s experience remains the No. 1 focus through facilities designed with patients and families in mind. In addition, the gift will help the hospital continually improve care and outcomes; ensure that all staff is specialized in treating children; and better integrate play and health during treatment to comfort children when they need it most.
“By combining the resources and expertise of two of Los Angeles’ leaders in children’s health and wellness, we are ensuring world-class care to the neediest in our community,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. “This partnership extends our impact far beyond what either of us could achieve on our own, and together, UCLA and Mattel will build on our commitment to establish the best children’s hospital in the world.”
With the gift comes a revision of the hospital’s name and logo to better reflect the synergy and commitment between the two organizations.
“Mattel has always been committed to serving our communities in meaningful and impactful ways,” said Richard Dickson, president and chief operating officer of Mattel. “Today’s gift is an extension of that legacy, and more importantly, it will help ensure that even more children and families will benefit from exceptional healthcare at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital.”
Credit: UCLA Health
As one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital attracts top doctors and nurses to provide care that is consistently ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News and World Report. With the expansion of the hospital, UCLA’s superior care can reach more children and families, thanks to the strengthened partnership.
“The best practices and insights from research available at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital are a model for pediatric care worldwide,” said Dr. John Mazziotta, vice chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences and CEO of UCLA Health. “With Mattel, we look forward to an enhanced ability to expand that care.”
Mattel’s commitment will also support global children’s health through programs in China, Indonesia, India and South Africa, including doctor exchanges and research partnerships.
Credit: UCLA Health
The gift is part of the $4.2 billion UCLA Centennial Campaign, which is scheduled to conclude in December 2019 during UCLA’s 100th anniversary year.
UCLA Health includes four hospitals on two campuses — Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center; UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica; UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital; and Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA — and more than 160 primary care and specialty clinics throughout Southern California. UCLA Health ranks No. 1 in Los Angeles, No. 1 in California and No. 5 in the nation in U.S. News and World Report’s 2016–17 Best Hospitals survey.
Mattel is a creations company that inspires the wonder of childhood. Our mission is to be the recognized leader in play, learning and development worldwide. Mattel’s portfolio of global consumer brands includes American Girl®, Barbie®, Fisher-Price™, Hot Wheels®, Monster High® and Thomas & Friends®, among many others. Mattel also creates a wealth of lines and products made in collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies. With a global workforce of approximately 31,000 people, Mattel operates in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations.
