The newly proposed Kisner Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health is set to enhance mental health services for children in the Augusta area.
Augusta is thrilled to announce the upcoming establishment of a Pediatric Behavioral Health Center at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, made possible by a generous $5.3 million donation from local golf star Kevin Kisner and his wife, Brittany. With renovations expected to complete in early 2026, this center aims to provide essential services for children’s mental health, addressing a growing need in the community. The Kisner Center will serve as a vital resource for families, ensuring children have access to the mental health care they require.
Augusta is buzzing with excitement as a brand new pediatric behavioral health center is set to take shape at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. This ambitious project was launched by local golf star Kevin Kisner and his wife, Brittany Kisner, who recently took part in a ceremonial groundbreaking event on April 21, 2025. With the couple’s generous spirit and commitment to the community, they’ve helped to kick off a transformation that aims to make a significant impact on the mental health services available for the region’s children.
The Kisners have made quite a splash with their a whopping $5.3 million donation towards the construction of this vital facility, which will be named the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness. This generous gift covers nearly half of the expected $12 million total cost of the project.
Mark your calendars! The hospital is looking forward to unveiling the new center as early as January or February of 2026, after renovations estimated at $6 million are completed on the second floor of the hospital located on Harper Street. This much-needed resource will provide a range of mental health services tailored specifically for children and adolescents, emphasizing early access to care.
The hospital plans to offer Intensive Outpatient programs at the center designed to keep children engaged in school and allow them to manage their mental health without the need for hospitalization. Dr. Valera Hudson, serving as pediatrician-in-chief, has emphasized that these programs are vital for children who require a higher level of care while remaining part of their everyday lives. This innovative approach aims to serve the unique needs of young patients in the Augusta area.
The Kisners aren’t alone in their mission. Several organizations, including Norfolk Southern, Atlanta Gas Light, and the Walmart Community Foundation, have also stepped up to contribute to this much-anticipated center. These collaborations are a shining example of how community support can rally together to tackle critical issues affecting our youth.
Brittany Kisner, who previously worked as a speech pathologist at Children’s Hospital, has been particularly vocal about the importance of making mental health resources more accessible. The center aims to reduce the barriers that local children face when seeking help for mental health challenges. It offers hope for families who may have to travel great distances to find suitable care.
Discussions about establishing the center began during the COVID-19 pandemic as both Kevin and Brittany recognized the overwhelming growth in mental health needs among children. What’s more, with the recent closure of Mental Health America of Augusta, the demand for accessible services is even greater, making the Kisner Center’s mission all the more critical.
The Kisner Center stands to bridge significant gaps in pediatric mental health services throughout the Central Savannah River Area, where many families currently face the challenge of seeking care far from home. With the combined efforts of the Kisner Foundation and the community, Augusta is on the verge of an exciting new chapter in pediatric mental health support. It’s a heartfelt endeavor that delivers hope and healing to thousands of children and families in need.
Kevin and Brittany Kisner Donate $5 Million to Children’s Health
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