Southern Nevada’s pediatric healthcare infrastructure is inadequate to meet specialized healthcare needs, leading to poor health status for the region’s children and reduced economic expansion. Nevada faces many pediatric healthcare challenges, as reflected by its status as a medically underserved and health professional shortage area. The health status of Nevada’s children is among the poorest nationally. According to the 2023 Health of Women and Children’s Report, Nevada ranks 50th out of 50 states in clinical care.This is a clear testament to the need for a children’s hospital to be the hub of a regional coordinated care delivery system. With anticipated population growth, the need for more pediatric providers and services is a regional economic and social priority. This challenge is further compounded by the region’s absence of a comprehensive, academic-based, nonprofit children’s hospital. As a result, pediatric subspecialty care is scattered and needs to be coordinated. In contrast, children in other urban areas who are diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, and other rare conditions receive specialized care through children’s hospital-based pediatric subspecialty programs, including inpatient and outpatient services offered through a broad, integrated network of centers and institutes.

This independent study developed by Tripp Umbach demonstrates how an independent, research-intensive, stand-alone children’s teaching hospital can significantly enhance the health status of Southern Nevada’s children, reduce outmigration, attract children from neighboring states, and stimulate the healthcare economy. Tripp Umbach evaluated the need for a children’s hospital, the barriers to overcoming its absence, and the advantages of establishing a stand-alone children’s hospital in Southern Nevada for diverse audiences throughout Nevada and nationally.