Presbyterian Health Foundation Announces Historic $20 Million Gift to Name Oklahoma Children's OU Health Heart Center
The Presbyterian Health Foundation (PHF) today announced a transformational $20 million gift to establish the Oklahoma Children’s OU Health Presbyterian Health Foundation Heart Center. This historic contribution, the largest single gift in PHF's 40-year history, will fund a new, state-of-the-art facility that will centralize and expand lifesaving cardiac care for children across Oklahoma and the surrounding region.
The announcement was made during PHF's 40 Years of Impact Celebration, a milestone event honoring the foundation's four decades of investment in medical research and advancing health outcomes across Oklahoma.
Addressing Critical Need for Pediatric Heart Care
Today, many Oklahoma families must leave the state for specialized pediatric heart care, facing emotional strain and financial hardship at the very moment they need support the most. The new Oklahoma Children’s OU Health Presbyterian Health Foundation Heart Center will change this reality, positioning Oklahoma as a destination for world-class pediatric cardiac care.
“This entire project embodies the very heart of our mission,” said PHF Chairman Tom R. Gray, III. “It will drive cutting-edge research, deliver lifesaving pediatric heart care to children and families, elevate the entire Oklahoma Children’s system, and strengthen a proven center of excellence that is transforming patient outcomes in remarkable ways.”
The new Heart Center will bring together cardiac services that were previously spread across multiple areas of the hospital, creating a centralized, purpose-built space that improves coordination and efficiency for both care teams and families.
“We are proud to advance heart care and serve generations of families with world-class care,” said OU Health President and CEO Richard Lofgren, M.D., MPH. “No child should have to leave Oklahoma to receive the highest level of cardiac care. The investment from PHF and our Legislature helps us propel Oklahoma Children’s as a true destination for pediatric heart care where expertise, compassion and innovation converge to give every child the best chance at life, right here at home. "
With expanded inpatient capacity and enhanced procedural and diagnostic capabilities, the center significantly increases OU Health’s ability to care for more children and families facing complex heart conditions. As part of an academic health system, the Heart Center also strengthens OU Health’s mission by integrating research, education, and clinical excellence — all within a child-focused environment designed to support healing, innovation, and hope.
“The new Heart Center will redefine pediatric cardiac care in Oklahoma, ensuring children and families have access to the most advanced treatments without leaving the state,” said University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. “This historic investment from Presbyterian Health Foundation, paired with the Legislature’s bold support, reflects the power of partnership to achieve something truly extraordinary. Together, we are strengthening the health of our children and shaping a stronger future for Oklahoma.”
The new 200,500-square-foot Heart Center will feature:
- Expanded inpatient capacity with approximately 90 beds dedicated to cardiac care, including intensive care, step-down, and adult congenital units
- New surgical and procedural spaces, including:
- Two state-of-the-art heart operating rooms
- Multiple cardiac catheterization and hybrid labs
- Advanced imaging and diagnostics, including cardiac MRI, CT, echo, stress testing, and more
- Enhanced outpatient access with 30 exam rooms supporting high-volume heart clinics
- Advanced ECMO capabilities for critical cardiac support
- Expanded transplant facilities to support complex cardiac cases
- Dedicated family support and education spaces to improve care experience
Building on Excellence
The cardiac care at Oklahoma Children’s already demonstrates exceptional clinical outcomes, earning recognition as one of the Top 50 Best Children's Hospitals for Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery by U.S. News & World Report. The program is one of only nine in the United States with a "very high survival" rating, performing over 500 heart surgeries annually with a 98.8% survival rate with more than 15,000 pediatric cardiology patient visits each year.
"This new facility will allow us to deliver the most advanced care in a space designed specifically for children and families," said Harold Burkhart, M.D., pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon and chief of pediatric cardiac surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. "It's a game-changer for Oklahoma and the entire region."
A Personal Mission
Campaign ambassadors include Faith and David Helmerich, whose personal experience with the Heart Center team drives their commitment to this cause. Their son, Parker, received a lifesaving heart transplant at Oklahoma Children's in 2024 after spending more than 300 days in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit.
Parker's remarkable journey exemplifies the center's impact. Born with a critical heart condition, he became the first child in over 30 years to receive a pediatric heart transplant at Oklahoma Children's. His transformation from being intubated and on life support last Christmas to celebrating his first birthday at home represents the hope and healing this center brings to families across the state.
Collaboration Driving Impact
The project represents a powerful example of public-private partnership, combining legislative vision with philanthropic commitment.
PHF's $20 million gift complements a $200 million investment approved by the 60th Oklahoma Legislature, bringing the total project investment to $220 million, representing one of the largest healthcare infrastructure investments in Oklahoma's history. In addition, gifts from Lisha Lowell-Oshman and family, Carter Chevrolet and Paula DiVincenzo of the Beating Hearts Foundation have propelled the project.
"This is a shining example of what's possible when state leadership and private philanthropy unite for a common cause," said Randy Dowell, CEO of University Hospitals Authority & Trust. "We're grateful to Capitol leaders for their $200 million investment, which provided the foundation for this transformational project."
Timeline and Future Impact
The new Oklahoma Children’s OU Health Presbyterian Health Foundation Heart Center will cement Oklahoma's position as a national leader in pediatric cardiac care, keeping families together, close to home, and surrounded by world-class medical expertise for generations to come. Pre-design work is underway, with analysis and design concepting.
Formal construction documents and schematic work will begin in 2026, with multiple phases of building starting in early 2027. The building is expected to open to patients in early 2030.
Learn more about the new Oklahoma Children's OU Health Presbyterian Health Foundation Heart Center and become part of the campaign today at OklahomaChildrens.org/HeartCenter.
