LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mattel, Inc.
(NASDAQ: MAT) announced today a $50
million gift to UCLA Health that will fund an expansion of
the UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital and help establish a
world-class pediatric care center and research hub focused on
improving children's health. A committed partner for more than 20
years, Mattel has provided more than $80
million to UCLA in support of
the university and health care system.
This donation from Mattel — the largest ever made to UCLA Mattel
Children's Hospital — enables the hospital to build a "kids-only"
system of care, ensuring the child's experience remains the No. 1
focus through facilities designed with patients and families in
mind. In addition, the gift will help the hospital continually
improve care and outcomes; ensure that all staff is specialized in
treating children; and better integrate play and health during
treatment to comfort children when they need it most.
"By combining the resources and expertise of two of Los Angeles' leaders in children's health and
wellness, we are ensuring world-class care to the neediest in our
community," said UCLA Chancellor Gene
Block. "This partnership extends our impact far beyond what
either of us could achieve on our own, and together, UCLA and Mattel will build on our commitment to
establish the best children's hospital in the world."
With the gift comes a revision of the hospital's name and logo
to better reflect the synergy and commitment between the two
organizations.
"Mattel has always been committed to serving our communities in
meaningful and impactful ways," said Richard Dickson, president and chief operating
officer of Mattel. "Today's gift is an extension of that legacy,
and more importantly, it will help ensure that even more children
and families will benefit from exceptional healthcare at UCLA
Mattel Children's Hospital."
As one of the nation's top children's hospitals, UCLA Mattel
Children's Hospital attracts top doctors and nurses to provide care
that is consistently ranked among the best in the country by
U.S. News & World Report. With the expansion of the
hospital, UCLA's superior care can
reach more children and families, thanks to the strengthened
partnership.
"The best practices and insights from research available at UCLA
Mattel Children's Hospital are a model for pediatric care
worldwide," said Dr. John Mazziotta,
vice chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences and CEO of UCLA Health.
"With Mattel, we look forward to an enhanced ability to expand that
care."
Mattel's commitment will also support global children's health
through programs in China,
Indonesia, India and South
Africa, including doctor exchanges and research
partnerships.
The gift is part of the $4.2
billion UCLA Centennial Campaign, which is scheduled to
conclude in December 2019 during
UCLA's 100th anniversary year.
UCLA Health includes four hospitals on two campuses — Ronald
Reagan UCLA Medical Center; UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica; UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital;
and Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA — and more than 160 primary care and specialty
clinics throughout Southern
California. UCLA Health ranks No. 1 in Los Angeles, No. 1 in California and No. 5 in the nation in U.S.
News & World Report's 2016-17 Best Hospitals survey.
Mattel is a creations company that inspires the wonder of
childhood. Our mission is to be the recognized leader in play,
learning and development worldwide. Mattel's portfolio of global
consumer brands includes American Girl®,
Barbie®, Fisher-Price™, Hot Wheels®, Monster
High® and Thomas & Friends®, among many
others. Mattel also creates a wealth of lines and products made in
collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies.
With a global workforce of approximately 31,000 people, Mattel
operates in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more
than 150 nations.
CONTACTS:
Marissa Beck
Global Brand Communications
Mattel, Inc.
415-902-5233
Marissa.beck2@mattel.com
Tami Dennis
Executive Director, Media Relations
UCLA Health Sciences
323-267-7022
tdennis@mednet.ucla.edu
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mattel-commits-50-million-to-ucla-mattel-childrens-hospital-300422093.html
SOURCE Mattel, Inc.