AUGUSTA, Ga. – A major step toward expanding pediatric behavioral health care in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) is now underway as construction has officially begun on a new center at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Spearheading the initiative are PGA Tour golfer Kevin Kisner and his wife Brittany Kisner, who have pledged more than $5 million through their foundation to bring the project to life.

The upcoming Center for Pediatric Development, Health and Wellness will soon carry the Kisner family name in recognition of their transformational support. The couple visited the hospital on Monday, April 21, to take part in early construction activities and meet with staff and community stakeholders.

“We’re lack services in our area. And you know, we’re based in South Carolina, but our foundation serves the whole CSRA. And this children’s hospital is the hub, right, with children, serves children from all over,” said Brittany Kisner. “And you want to [have a] healthy, thriving children’s hospital. If you’re a parent.”

Her husband echoed the excitement, emphasizing the significance of the project for local families: “We’re excited, like Brittany said, to see phase three under construction in a home for our center,” said Kevin Kisner. “And it’s been a great partnership, at WellStar and all the staff here at the hospital.”

A New Chapter for Pediatric Mental Health Care

The Kisner Foundation, founded in 2020, focuses on investing in children’s health and education across the CSRA. With mental health care needs for children rising sharply in recent years, the new center aims to fill a critical gap in access to early intervention and long-term support for youth dealing with developmental and behavioral challenges.

The Center for Pediatric Development, Health and Wellness will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language services, family support programs, and wellness-focused education for children and parents alike.

Hospital leadership and the WellStar MCG Health team have collaborated closely with the Kisner Foundation to shape a center that will meet the evolving needs of the region’s children. Once complete, it will serve families from both Georgia and South Carolina, providing critical care in a centralized, child-friendly environment.

Timeline and Impact

Construction of the center is expected to be completed in 2026, marking the third phase in the hospital’s broader development efforts to expand access and capacity. It will be located on the hospital’s growing Augusta campus, offering proximity to other pediatric specialties and inpatient care.

The Kisners’ donation ranks among the largest private contributions in the hospital’s history and highlights growing public awareness of the need for more robust behavioral health infrastructure for children.

As Brittany Kisner noted, “this children’s hospital is the hub” for pediatric care across the CSRA. The Kisners’ vision is that the new center will not only treat immediate needs, but also create a model of "healthy, thriving" care for the next generation of families.

Originally reported by WJBF Augusta in Yahoo News.