Lucio A. Fragoso
Children’s Hospital New Orleans
Lucio Fragoso’s work ethic was established during childhood—growing up on the south side of Chicago surrounded by his hardworking, immigrant parents, he quickly learned that overcoming adversity and achieving success required putting his all into everything he did. His parents inspired him not just to work hard but work for the good of the community. Today, as President and CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans, Fragoso leads the charge of improving the lives of children across the Gulf South.
“Here at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, we are committed to providing the best possible care and experience for every child and his or her family,” says Fragoso.
With the goal that no child should have to leave Louisiana for expert or lifesaving care, Children’s Hospital has recruited top pediatric providers from across the country to grow and expand access and to build new specialized programs. From its Trauma & Grief Center and Burn Care program to its new Heart Center, nationally recognized inpatient rehabilitation program, and one of the nation’s most comprehensive pediatric behavioral health programs, Children’s Hospital is proud to serve as the health experts for all kids and only kids here at home.
Under Fragoso’s leadership, Children’s Hospital has made an unprecedented investment in pediatric healthcare. A recent $300M transformation of its campus enabled Children’s Hospital to serve more children—about 65,000 more than a few years ago—and to say “yes” to all kids who need care regardless of their family’s ability to pay.
In 2020, Children’s Hospital launched ThriveKids, the Student Wellness Project, a multispecialty program intended to increase access to healthcare for kids at school. Born out of the hospital’s support of schools at the onset of the pandemic, the program quickly evolved into a comprehensive health program for children from birth to graduation that bridges the health and education sectors. ThriveKids currently supports 180 school campuses across Jefferson and Orleans parishes and more than 40 early learning centers in Orleans Parish. The program provides trained medical and mental health professionals, coordinates with educators to provide healthcare to children and offers ongoing education for school faculty and partners.
“This is how we change the health of a generation—shifting from a sick-care to a well-care model—which we believe will be transformational for the health and wellbeing of kids in our community,” says Fragoso.
Within the organization, a passion project of Fragoso’s is to honor the contributions of Children’s Hospital’s long-serving team members, taking time to pause, to make connections and recognize and thank them for their dedication.
“Over many years, our long-tenured staff and providers have continued to show up each and every day to deliver on our promise for the children of Louisiana.” Children’s Hospital recently honored its longest serving employee, Leola Rolland, by naming its gift shop in her honor as she celebrated her 50-year work anniversary.
