Horowitzes Pledge $150M for Nevada’s First Standalone Children’s Hospital

Key points

• The $150 million gift from Felicia and Ben Horowitz will name the new hospital the Intermountain Health Felicia and Ben Horowitz Children’s Hospital.
• Construction is scheduled to begin in late October 2026, with the facility expected to open in 2030.
• The hospital will feature approximately 180 to 228 beds and is projected to cost over $1 billion, with Intermountain Health covering two-thirds of the total cost.
• The project aims to recruit pediatric providers and address specialized needs, including behavioral health, in a state where nearly 30,000 families currently leave to seek care.
• The gift is part of the Nevada Campaign for Kids, which has also received $50 million from the Canarelli family and $25 million from the Las Vegas Raiders and its owners.

Background

Nevada has long lacked a dedicated pediatric hospital, ranking 48th in the nation for pediatricians per capita. Intermountain Health, which operates 34 hospitals across six western states, has been expanding its pediatric network, including recent upgrades to St. George Regional Hospital. The new Las Vegas facility is designed to connect with existing specialty services in Utah and Montana, creating a unified model for children’s health across the region.

How outlets are covering it

While all sources confirm the $150 million commitment, they emphasize different aspects of the project. KSNV and PR Newswire focus on the institutional impact, highlighting how the gift will recruit providers and advance research within Intermountain’s broader system. The Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun provide deeper personal context, noting that the donation stems from a health scare involving the Horowitzes’ son 30 years ago. The Sun also highlights the economic impact, estimating the hospital will create 1,300 jobs and generate $800 million annually for Clark County. Additionally, the Review-Journal notes that the gift is part of a series of major donations, including $50 million from homebuilder Larry Canarelli and $25 million from the Las Vegas Raiders, underscoring a collective community effort rather than a single donor’s influence.

Why it matters

The establishment of a standalone children’s hospital in Las Vegas addresses a significant healthcare gap in one of the nation’s fastest-growing states. By providing local access to specialized pediatric care, the facility aims to reduce the number of families who must travel out of state for treatment. The project also serves as a model for integrating advanced pediatric services within a larger health system, potentially improving outcomes for children across the western United States.

What to watch

Groundbreaking for the hospital is expected to occur in late October 2026. The facility is scheduled to open in 2030. Intermountain Health will continue to recruit pediatric specialists and develop specialized programs, including those focused on behavioral health, to ensure the hospital meets the needs of Nevada families.