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The new, kid-friendly, interactive space in the Renown Children’s Specialty Center will support the needs of children, bringing them courage and hope to heal and thrive Renown Health Foundation is proud to announce the Panda Cares® Center of Hope at Renown Children’s Specialty Center located at 1155 Mill St. in Reno, made possible by the guests and associates of Panda Express®, who foster the spirit of giving and inspire brighter futures. The space offers an area for the Renown Children’s team to provide comprehensive care for children, creating an environment that reduces stress, promotes healing and provides an excellent patient and family experience. The Center of Hope upholds Panda Express®’ mission and values of being proactive, having respect for each other, learning and growing, committing to great operations and giving time and resources back to the community. The Center also supports the Panda Cares® areas of focus that address each child’s well-being, including their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs. Members of the media are invited to tour the Panda Cares® Center of Hope on Wednesday, August 12 from 1 – 2 p.m. To ensure appropriate physical distancing, outlets are asked to reserve a time to tour the space and interview representatives from Panda Express® and Renown Children’s using this link. Media will be escorted by Renown Public Affairs on hospital property and may park their cars in the Tahoe Tower roundabout at Renown Regional Medical Center during their designated time slot. “We are very fortunate to have such generous partners like the people behind Panda Express® who want to help our patients and their families, as well as our expert pediatric care teams,” said Max J Coppes, MD, PhD, Professor and Nell J. Redfield Chair of Pediatrics at UNR Med and Physician in Chief at Renown Children’s Hospital. “This Center will help young patients, and their parents, feel more comfortable along their healing journey, and give them a positive and lasting impression of the care people receive here at Renown Children’s.” “We are proud to partner with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to bring the vision of the Panda Cares® Center of Hope to life and are humbled to be able to be part of the healing journey for the families and kids at these hospitals,” said Dr. Peggy Cherng, co-founder and co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group. “Children are our future, and we hope that through this partnership and curriculum designed to give children the strength to thrive, we will bring smiles and hope to communities nationwide.” One of the important resources supported through the Panda Cares® Center of Hope is Renown’s Child Life program, created to help both patients and their loved ones navigate the healthcare experience and the feelings that may come with it. “Our Child Life specialists are educated and clinically trained in the developmental impact of illness and injury. They do so much to make the patient and family care experience here at Renown the best it can be,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, Renown’s President and CEO. “We are grateful for our partnership with the team at Panda Express®, who are passionate about children’s health, and help us provide the highest level of care for children and their families.” The eight Panda Cares® Centers of Hope across the country are made possible by Panda Express® guests’ and associates’ donations. Following a commitment of $25 million to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to fund Panda Cares® Centers of Hope in 2019, Panda and CMN Hospitals have debuted Center of Hope locations at several hospitals in the U.S. including California, Texas, Nevada, Hawaii, Washington D.C., Arizona and Illinois. Panda Express® guests and their associates in northern Nevada and northeastern California have raised nearly $500,000 for Renown Children’s Hospital since 2007. “Over the years, the team at Panda Express® has inspired all of us at Renown with their generosity and willingness to help our local children and their families,” said Greg Walaitis, Renown’s Chief Development Officer. “The Panda Cares® Center of Hope is yet another example of their remarkable efforts to help our young patients live healthy, bright lives.” “With 22 pediatric physician specialists, the compassionate team at Renown Children’s Hospital currently cares for 9 out of 10 children right here at home, in northern Nevada. Formerly, families had to travel out of our area to receive pediatric specialty care. We are proud to introduce this special Center to our community members who place their unwavering confidence in our dedicated team of expert care providers, every day,” said Larry Duncan, Vice President of Pediatrics and Surgery and Administrator, Renown Children's.     About Renown Children’s Hospital Renown Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated children’s hospital in northern Nevada, and offers a variety of programs and services designed specifically to care for the community's families. It has the region’s only Children’s ER and Pediatric ICU. Renown Children’s Hospital is the only hospital affiliated with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) in the region and local CMN Hospitals' programs and events directly benefit children in the Truckee Meadows. It is also the only hospital in the region affiliated with CHA (Children’s Hospital Association). For more information, visit renown.org/children. About Panda Express® On a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express, an American Chinese Trailblazer, is the largest Asian dining concept in the U.S. Family-owned and operated since 1983 by co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Panda Express is best known for creating a wide variety of industry-first recipes, including its best seller the Original Orange Chicken® and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, which have defined the category of authentic American Chinese cuisine. Each dish at Panda Express, including the Wok Smart® selections, is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and inspired by bold Chinese flavors and culinary principles. The restaurant brand has more than 2,000 locations throughout the U.S. and has introduced American Chinese cuisine to more than ten international countries. Powered by this global family of associates, Panda Cares, the organization’s philanthropic arm, has raised more than $212 million and countless volunteer hours in bettering the health and education for over 12 million youths as well as supporting communities in need since 1999. For more information, visit pandaexpress.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 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 and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

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Growing numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths are troubling; facemasks can slow the trend. 100 of the nation’s top health care systems, representing thousands of hospitals in communities across the U.S., have come together with an urgent plea for all Americans – mask up, because wearing a facemask is our best chance at slowing the surging COVID-19 pandemic now. More than 11.5 million Americans have tested positive for the virus – including an additional one million in just the past week – leading to nearly 250,000 deaths. The current trends are daunting and frightening. If the nation stays on its current course, hospital leaders are increasingly concerned that more healthcare facilities will be overwhelmed as shortages of healthy caregivers make it difficult to handle a rapidly increasing number of patients. Unfortunately, this is already happening in parts of our country. The next several months will be critical. Though there has been positive news about vaccine development, no one knows when those vaccines will be ready for widespread use. In the meantime, everyone must remain vigilant, take precautions and follow public health orders. The country has reached a tipping point. The power to do what is right is now in the hands of everyone everywhere. Beginning today, a public service message will run in The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times. Additionally, leading hospitals and health systems across the country will continue to unite to share these messages regionally. The message reads: “As the top nationally-ranked hospitals, we know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. But, here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So, please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #MaskUp. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives.” In an effort to reach a broader audience, the public service effort will also include messages on digital platforms, social media, online information, links to vital health resources and more.  Combining resources demonstrates that these health organizations are working together, will accomplish this today and will get through this together. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points to recent studies that have shown facemasks successfully limit spread of the COVID-19 virus. Wearing facemasks protect in key ways: by protecting the wearer against inhalation of harmful pathogens and particulates and by preventing exposure of those around the wearer. In addition to masking, the CDC suggests that everyone minimize the number of non-household contacts, maintain a physical distance of at least six feet, and limit the amount of time around others, especially while indoors and in poorly ventilated areas. For further information about masking guidelines – how to choose a mask, how to properly wear a mask – visit the CDC website.     About us: www.everymaskup.com is a collaboration of 100 leading health systems representing thousands of hospitals across the U.S. joining together to create messages for the betterment of communities they serve. The impetus for this, and other public service campaigns to follow, came from a group of health care marketing and communications executives meeting for a decade and reengaged weekly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The goal is to share knowledge and experience, best practices, strategies and resources - knowing they can accomplish more together. Founded and led by Rhoda Weiss, Ph.D., Los Angeles-based national health care leader and consultant, the expanded coalition is partnering with Cleveland Clinic Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Paul Matsen and his team for this effort. Additionally, hospitals and health systems on a regional basis continue to come together to send messages like these of prevention and safety, hope and healing, life and death, care and caring.Media Contacts:Rhoda WeissM: 310-945-6730E: rhoda@rhodaweiss.comAngie KiskaM: 216-312-9170E: kiskaa@ccf.org     The following hospitals and health systems to spread this message across the country.   AdventHealth Nemours Children's Health System Adventist Health NewYork-Presbyterian Allegheny Health Network Northwell Health Atrium Health  Northwestern Medicine Avera Health Norton Healthcare Banner Health Ochsner Health Baptist Health Northeast Florida OhioHealth  Baylor Scott & White Health Oregon Health & Science University BJC HealthCare OSF HealthCare Bon Secours Mercy Health OU Health  Boston Children's Hospital  PeaceHealth Cedars-Sinai  Penn Medicine  Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Penn State Health Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Providence  Children's Hospital of Orange County Renown Health Children's National Hospital  Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center ChristianaCare Rush University System for Health Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center RWJ Barnabas Health City of Hope Saint Luke's Health System (Kansas City, MO) Cleveland Clinic SCL Health CommonSpirit Health Scripps Health Community Health Systems Sharp HealthCare Cooper University Health Care Southwestern Health Resources Dana-Farber Cancer Institute SSM Health Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health  St. Elizabeth Healthcare Duke Health  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital  Emory Healthcare St. Luke's Hospital (St. Louis)  Geisinger Stanford Health Care Hackensack Meridian Health Sutter Health HCA Healthcare Temple Health  Inspira Health Texas Health Resources Intermountain Healthcare The Christ Hospital Health Network Jefferson Health The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Johns Hopkins Medicine The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Kaiser Permanente ThedaCare Keck Medicine of USC TriHealth (Cincinnati) LifePoint Health Trinity Health  Mass General Brigham UC Davis Health Mayo Clinic UCHealth MedStar Health UC Health CINCINNATI Memorial Hermann UC San Diego Health  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center UChicago Medicine  MemorialCare (Southern California) UCI Health Mercy UCLA Health Michigan Medicine UCSF Health Mount Sinai Health System UNC Health National Jewish Health  University of California Health Nationwide Children's Hospital University Hospitals (Cleveland) Nebraska Medicine University of Iowa Health Care    Virtua Health

Read More About Renown and Thousands of Top U.S. Hospitals Encourage Everyone to #MaskUp

ABOVE: Renown Health leadership and other key stakeholders cut the ribbon unveiling the Specialty Care Center at Renown South Meadows Medical Center. B-roll footage of the new space is available for download here and ribbon-cutting b-roll is available here. With a vision to “create a healthier future through exceptional care and discovery,” Renown Health today announced the opening of the new Specialty Care Center and multiple enhancements across Renown South Meadows Medical Center to improve access to essential and advanced care to meet the growing demand for Renown’s model of care in South Reno and Carson Valley. "Renown Health has a rich history of service to northern Nevada. The opening of this center marks both a celebration of our past and a bold step into the future. We honor those who laid the foundation for our success, and we embrace the opportunities ahead to innovate, inspire and serve our community in even greater ways,” said Tammy Dermody, Chair, Renown Health Board. “This Center is more than just a building- it is a symbol of our commitment to putting people-first to enhance health care access, experiences, outcomes and affordability for all. We are thrilled to share this gift with our growing community.” “As the only locally governed, charitable, not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system serving northern Nevada, we are investing in expertise, services and facilities and across the region to meet the growing need for best-in-class healthcare,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. Driven by the unwavering commitment of our clinical teams, this beautiful, state-of-the-art facility epitomizes Renown's commitment to our community, ensuring that all patients receive the highest quality of care, close to home and near family and friends.” Benefits of the New Specialty Care Center at Renown South Meadows When the first patients are welcomed to the Specialty Care Center on Tuesday, Jan. 28, they will experience a beautiful, light filled space with expanded imaging, surgery, lab services, cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology services. Construction of the new building began in spring 2022 and was a monumental effort, with more than 616,000 work-hours and 1,000 skilled workers on-site throughout the project to build the 121,000 square foot facility. Including design teams, stakeholders and off-site contributors, the project positively impacted an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people and invigorated the local economy. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the teams whose dedication made this transformation possible, including Renown Facilities, South Meadows Leadership, Clinical Operations and the Renown Health Foundation,” said Sam Weller, CEO of Renown South Meadows Medical Center. “This project is possible due to our construction and project teams, including Cummings Group, Perkins & Will, Nexcore Group and Gilbane Group.” Specialty Care Center Highlights Floor 1: An expanded laboratory and diagnostic services, featuring a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology lab. A new dining facility and kitchen. Floor 2: A new surgical center with 6 operating rooms, designed for streamlined procedures and patient comfort, equipped with leading-edge robotic technology. Floor 3: The future home of the Conrad Breast Center, opening in June 2025 will offer advanced breast health services, including imaging, risk assessment, genetic counseling, breast surgical oncology, breast medical oncology, infusion services, nurse navigators, pharmacy, a wellness center and clinical research. This new Specialty Care Center is a collaboration between Renown Health and NexCore Group, a national healthcare real estate investment and development company. “Collaborating with Renown Health on this transformative project has been an incredible journey,” said Aaron Brewster, SVP of Real Estate Development at Nexcore Group. “The Specialty Care Center at South Meadows Medical Center exemplifies innovation and thoughtful design, ensuring a modern and patient-centered experience. We are proud to contribute to a project that will have such a meaningful impact on the community for years to come.” As Renown Health continues to enhance its services at South Meadows Medical Center, the expansion extends beyond the Specialty Care Center. The existing medical center has also undergone significant upgrades to further improve patient care and experience. “The Specialty Care Center is just one of multiple enhancements we’re unveiling at Renown South Meadows,” said Jenn Fleiner, RN, MSN, Chief Operations and Nursing Officer at Renown South Meadows Medical Center. “The existing medical center, which has served south Reno for decades, now features all private patient/family rooms, new lobby and public spaces, surgical enhancements, lighting improvements, streamlined admission processes and a new front entrance. Now our facility matches the exceptional, personalized care we provide to every patient and family.” Facility Enhancements at Renown South Meadows Medical Center Lobby and Public Spaces: Redesigned for comfort and a welcoming atmosphere to enhance the patient experience. Floors 1 & 2: Private patient/family rooms for better privacy and comfort, supporting the highest-quality care. Surgical Enhancements: Expansion of minor procedure rooms, operating room upgrades and technology integration to reduce wait times and offer additional treatment options. Lighting Improvements: Dimmable, sustainable LED lighting for better comfort for patients and care teams. Streamlined Admissions: Enhanced imaging services, a surgical pre-admission lounge and expanded physical therapy space ensure comprehensive care in one location. New Front Entrance and Parking Lot: Improves accessibility, navigation and first impressions for patients and visitors. Renown Health’s $469 Million Investment to Meet the Growing Needs of Our Community Over the last three years, given significant consumer demand for Renown providers and services, a master facilities planning process was undertaken to ensure adequate bed and procedure capacity, spaces to accommodate new technology and services to meet the needs of a growing patient base and community. Over that time Renown Health invested more than $469 million in hospital campus improvements at Renown Regional Medical Center which included new Trauma Surgical, Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units; private room upgrades across Renown South Meadows Medical Center, and now the new Specialty Care Center at Renown South Meadows Medical Center. “In alignment with our newly released five-year strategic plan, developed in collaboration with our board, leadership, employees and community, we are focused on delivering excellence through thoughtful investments that meet the evolving needs of our region,” said Dr. Erling. “Our updated mission statement, ‘Established in 1864 as Nevada’s first hospital, we proudly serve our community as the only not-for-profit academic health system, committed to saving lives, nurturing minds and caring for all people,’ reflects our deep roots and our commitment to care, which is further emphasized through the opening of these new facilities and expansion of clinical programs.” “Renown’s hospital campuses are now the most innovative, convenient and compassionate places to provide and receive care,” added Melodie Osborn, MBA, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Executive, Renown Health. “Designed for patients, visitors and team members, these spaces showcase state-of-the-art technology, enhance patient safety and improve the hospital experience – including adding more private rooms; having flexible areas with room for growth; and creating healthy, sustainable buildings and interiors. We have been pleased to make these major community investments in health care facilities to transform care, improve the economy and enhance the quality of life for generations to come. And we are not finished. We have more exciting plans for the future!” About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest locally governed, not-for-profit integrated academic healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health.

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