New OKC Ronald McDonald House to support families of critically ill children

State leaders and Ronald McDonald House Charities staff shovel dirt at the ceremonial groundbreaking of the second RMHC location. (Photo by Maddy Remington, OMES Outreach.)

New Ronald McDonald House to support families of critically ill children

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 2, 2025) – A brighter future is on the horizon for families with hospitalized children, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and key state partners. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is proud to recognize this exciting milestone as construction begins on a second Ronald McDonald House in Oklahoma City.

The new facility, located in the heart of the city’s medical district, will offer a home away from home for up to 28 families each night, providing comfort, care and critical support during some of life’s most challenging moments.

On April 3, a crowd of community leaders, RMHC staff, families, supporters and elected officials gathered to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking. This expansion will significantly increase RMHC-OKC’s capacity to serve families whose children are battling serious illnesses or injuries, reinforcing a vital support network that spans the state.

The new location is made possible in part by a $4 million appropriation from the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA-SLFRF), granted by the state Legislature to OSDH. Combined with generous contributions from private donors, this funding will ensure more Oklahoma families can stay close to their loved ones while accessing top-tier pediatric care.

“When a child faces a critical health challenge, the entire family carries the weight,” said Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, who serves in the state Legislature’s Health and Human Services Working Group for the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. “As a veteran, father and grandfather, I know the strength families draw from being together in times of crisis. This expansion will offer that strength to even more Oklahoma families by providing a sense of home when it’s needed most.”

“The new Ronald McDonald House will provide comfort, stability and support to families facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives,” said Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, who attended the groundbreaking and serves on the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. “I’m proud to see this investment help expand access to compassionate care for families throughout Oklahoma.”

More than just a place to stay

When a child is in the hospital, families shouldn’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep or how they’ll afford a hotel room. Ronald McDonald House offers more than free housing – it provides a place of refuge. Families staying at the facility will have access to a full kitchen, laundry services, technology and play areas, making it easier to focus on what truly matters: their children’s recovery.

Perhaps the most powerful component of the Ronald McDonald House experience is the community. Staff, volunteers and fellow families provide vital emotional support and connection, turning a stressful, isolating experience into one of shared strength.

In 2023 alone, RMHC-OKC served 778 families across 76 Oklahoma counties, delivering 12,161 nights of stay. The upcoming location – nestled on West Memorial Road between North Meridian Avenue and North MacArthur Boulevard – will support families receiving care at Mercy Hospital, the Love Family Women’s Center, INTEGRIS Hospital and Bethany Children’s Health Center, and will serve as overflow for Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health.

Renderings of the proposed location provided by the architect, Bockus Payne.

The three-story facility is expected to open in summer 2026.

OMES applauds the unwavering dedication of OSDH and RMHC in bringing this project to life and for their continued efforts to promote healing and remove barriers to essential health care support for families across Oklahoma.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Since its founding in 1974, Ronald McDonald House Charities has helped millions of families around the world stay close to their hospitalized children. The first Oklahoma City House opened in 1984 with just 10 bedrooms. Today, the need continues to grow – and so does RMHC’s impact. To learn more or get involved, visit rmhc-okc.org.

Left: An attendee holds the shovel from the opening of the very first Ronald McDonald House in the United States. Right: Attendees gather for photos with the golden shovels previously used to break ground.