Norfolk Southern Corporation has made a $2.5 million donation to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) for the Children’s Pavilion, which opened its doors to inpatient mental health care last month.

NS’ support is recognized in the facility’s new education center, where CHKD has a conference center to conduct professional training, educational opportunities, and research centered on improving children’s mental health. The education center is on the second floor of the $224 million facility, which now provides both inpatient mental health care and a robust outpatient care program.

“Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters plays a vital role across the Commonwealth, directly caring for our youngest citizens,” said Alan Shaw, President and CEO of Norfolk Southern. “Hampton Roads is home to many of our colleagues, and together we are committed to supporting the hospital to provide mental health services for children in need.”

The  mental health  facility brings together aspects of the best pediatric psychiatric facilities in the country, including inpatient rooms with sleeping accommodations for a parent, a rooftop recreation area where hospitalized children can get exercise and fresh air, and therapeutic rooms for art and music therapy.

“Norfolk Southern has been a long-time supporter of CHKD, and this gift is a testament to the deep roots of the company in the Hampton Roads region and the commonwealth of Virginia,” said CHKD President and CEO Jim Dahling. “This gift will be a legacy in supporting the most vulnerable members of our community, and contribute to a better understanding of improving mental health in children across the country.”

Read the full release from CHKD here.