In 1855, Children’s Hospital, now known as Nationwide Children’s Hospital, was founded in Columbus, Ohio, by Francis West Lewis, MD – along with T. Hewson Bache, MD, and R.A.F. Penrose, MD. CHOP was the first hospital in the United States dedicated to finding cures and treating illnesses and injuries specific to children.

Nationwide Children’s has proven it’s more than just a community treasure. It has become a homegrown resource with riches to share. It draws patients from every state and from over 52 countries around the world. It is ranked as one of America’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a top 10 recipient of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds to freestanding pediatric research centers.

In 2006, the hospital marked a transformational milestone in central Ohio philanthropy, receiving a $50 million gift from the Nationwide Foundation. To honor the vision of Nationwide Insurance’s leadership, hospital trustees unanimously elected to change the name to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The main campus and off-site locations continue to transform care, housing more than sixty expanded clinics and services across Ohio. 

In 2016, the announcement to accelerate our facilities and programs grew with an additional $760 million investment.

Together with their philanthropic partners and community support, the stunning new facilities, ambitious strategic plan and world-class clinical care and research programs have created an unsurpassed atmosphere of care.