"Penny and I have always believed that real breakthroughs come from people willing to take on the toughest challenges," said Phil Knight. "Providence has shown that kind of ambition in cardiovascular care, and we see the same opportunity to do something truly distinctive for women's health. We're proud to invest in teams that will change what's possible for communities across Oregon and beyond."
The gift builds on Phil and Penny Knight's longstanding partnership with Providence Heart Institute and Dan Oseran, M.D., its executive medical director.
"Phil and Penny have been phenomenal partners and collaborators with the heart institute, and now their extraordinary generosity will expand infrastructure and technologies, as well as foster the recruitment of skilled specialists who will deliver exceptional and personalized care," said Dr. Oseran.
"Today's gift marks a significant and transformational milestone for Providence and healthcare in the greater Northwest," said Erik Wexler, president and CEO of Providence. "It enables us to create new possibilities in women's health, in cardiovascular care as well as enhance access and support for patients, as we work to be the best place to give and receive care. I join everyone at Providence in extreme gratitude to Phil and Penny Knight for demonstrating their confidence in our caregivers, our leaders and our Mission."
Oregon's first hospital for women
Located at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, this new women's hospital will be deeply integrated into services across the campus, giving patients access to more coordinated care, including gynecology, pregnancy, labor and delivery, menopause and cardiovascular care, along with other specialties. The women's hospital will also feature a modernized neonatal intensive care unit and optimized spaces for patients to heal and for loved ones to visit.
Today, hospitals are seeing an increasing number of pregnant patients who are also managing chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, behavioral health and substance-use disorders. These conditions can make pregnancy and delivery more complex and increase the need for specialists to work together.
"Providence St. Vincent has long been a trusted destination for maternity care, delivering more babies than any other hospital in the state," said Ray Moreno, M.D., chief executive for Providence St. Vincent. "We're also known for our cardiology program and other specialized services for women. Women's health needs change throughout life, and too often patients are asked to navigate multiple specialties and care settings on their own. The Knights' gift is an opportunity to bring these resources together, expanding access for women across Oregon and creating a strong foundation to bridge care gaps in women's health."
Once completed, the women's hospital will support the creation of hundreds of new clinical and non-clinical positions while contributing to broader economic activity across the Portland metro area.
Advancing the next generation of cardiovascular care
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and hospitalization in the United States for both men and women, and as the population ages, the demand for complex cardiac treatments accelerates. Providence Heart Institute sees close to 63,000 patients annually from across the Pacific Northwest, an increase in 23,000 patients from ten years ago.
The Knights have played a significant role in the expansion of programs at Providence Heart Institute, as well as its national reputation for excellence. Over the past decade, they have contributed $200 million to Providence Heart Institute, helping expand complex cardiovascular care, including heart transplantation, research, innovation and the recruitment of top talent.
The Knights' newest gift ensures that Providence Heart Institute will stay at the forefront of emerging technologies in cardiovascular care, through advancements in cardiac imaging, an expanded portfolio of clinical trials – and importantly, the recruitment of visionary physician leaders.
"Phil and Penny Knight's support has expanded facilities, technologies and heart-failure programs, which provides patients with world-class care right here in Portland," said Dr. Oseran. "Today signifies the start of the most exciting chapter yet in the heart institute's storied history – one that will spur new ideas and solutions in heart care, lead to the recruitment of physician-leaders who will accelerate our forward momentum, and ensure our facilities match the excellence of our providers."
Providence Heart Institute leads Oregon in cardiac surgical volume, and offers patients access to clinical trials and emerging therapies. The institute has garnered national recognition for its work in cardiogenic shock, mechanical circulatory support and cardiovascular data analytics.
Improving patient care
As Oregon's first hospital, Providence St. Vincent has long been known for personalized care that supports patients throughout their health journey. Now, even more patients will benefit. The Knights' gift will help Providence enhance services and technology to help patients navigate the complex care environment.
"When the Sisters of Providence arrived 170 years ago, they partnered in the community to address pressing needs," said Jennifer Burrows, chief executive, Providence Oregon. "Through the years, Providence has continued that tradition, with generous philanthropic gifts building and sustaining programs that serve Oregonians today. The Knights' extraordinary gift is a generational investment, leading to bold and innovative ideas that will shape healthcare in Oregon for decades to come."
"All of us at Providence are deeply grateful for Phil and Penny's commitment to better health and wellness, and energized by what lies ahead," said Dr. Oseran.
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is a 539-bed, not-for-profit hospital in Portland, Oregon, founded in 1875 by the Sisters of Providence. Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is the home of Providence Heart Institute, Providence Neurosciences Institute, as well as nationally recognized women's and children's services and cancer care. In addition to being Oregon's first permanent hospital, Providence St. Vincent has been Magnet-designated six times, recognized for nursing excellence, placing it among a small group of hospitals worldwide to achieve this honor. Each weekday, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center serves some 1,500 people across its campus.
Media contact:
Lisa Helderop
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SOURCE Providence
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