AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A $250,000 donation was given to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia on Tuesday for a new behavioral health center.

Norfolk Southern handed over the check.

It’s the same program pro golfer Kevin Kisner and his wife, Brittany, are supporting.

The children’s hospital is working to put all the resources in one space.

Tuesday’s check from Norfolk Southern is just the latest to make it all possible as the second floor to CHOG is getting a new look.

“When you get off the elevator on the second floor, the space right above us will be enclosed,” said Pediatrician-In-Chief Dr. Valera Hudson.

It’s a facelift Hudson says is desperately needed.

“One in four adolescents have challenges with anxiety and depression. And, sadly, only 50% of them are able to get the help that they need. So we know the need is great not only here, but across Georgia,” said Hudson.

Georgia Department of Public Health shows more than 170 children under the age of 17 visited an Augusta emergency room for a mental health or behavioral health disorder in 2022.

“It’s a lot, and sadly, the emergency room is not the optimal place to get that care. and so our vision is to be able to not only provide services in a more appropriate location but also long term, we really hope to be able to provide resources to help families thrive and to hopefully prevent some of the problems that we’re seeing now,” said Hudson.

It’s something close to the heart of Kisner and his wife.

They’ve already given $5 million to what will become the new Kisner Center.

The new check will make a big difference.

“The contribution today from Norfolk Southern, of $250,000, is substantial for us, and being able to move forward with a renovation, just upstairs on the second floor of the children’s hospital, that will create some new space for developmental-behavioral pediatrics, and allow us to enhance our child psychiatry services by adding an intensive outpatient program to what they can offer to serve children in our community,” said Hudson.

Now that they have the money in the bank, construction is slated for August or September of this year with the center opening in a year and a half to two years.

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