Mayo receives $20 million to evaluate health care delivery

Two longtime Mayo Clinic benefactors have donated $20 million to help launch the Clinic's new Center for Science of Health Care Delivery.

The donation came from Robert and Patricia Kern, a Wisconsin couple who has visited the Rochester Clinic since 1930.

Their contribution will jump start the new center that will focus on creating, evaluating and implementing approaches to deliver high-value care.

Robert Kern is the founder and owner of Generac Power Systems, a generator manufacturer based in Waukesha, Wis. The company produces industrial, commercial and residential power generators.

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In a statement, Robert Kern said Mayo has been an important part of his family for many decades.

"We admire their culture of putting the needs of the patient first, and we are honored to join with them to lead the transformation of health care," Kern said.

The $20 million donation will be used to hire staff, build space and help open the Center for of Health Care Delivery, according to Clinic officials.

The goal of the center will be to identify the most efficient and effective best practices in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients.

The center will be located in the Harwick Building on Mayo Clinic's downtown Rochester campus.