California State Treasurer Fiona Ma announced last week a new public-private collaboration that could provide significant funding support for children’s hospitals across the state, including Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, through sales of a proposed Disneyland® Resort-themed specialty license plate.
The initiative brings together Disneyland® Resort, the California Children’s Hospital Association, and the California Health Facilities Financing Authority, an arm of the State Treasurer’s Office. If approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles, the license plate would be available for purchase on California-registered vehicles, with proceeds supporting care for children with serious and complex medical needs.
The proposal launches a multistep approval process with the DMV that includes design review and reaching a minimum of 7,500 prepaid orders before the plate can go into production.
Revenue from the plate, after administrative costs, would be deposited into a special state fund administered by the California Health Facilities Financing Authority and distributed to 13 eligible children’s hospitals statewide. Funds would support essential but often unreimbursed services, such as clinical education, specialized staffing, and family-centered support programs.
“We are thrilled to help unlock a new funding mechanism to help expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and promote the well-being of children with serious and complex medical needs,” Ma said in a statement.
Among the participating hospitals is Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, which serves pediatric patients from across Southern California and beyond.
“This initiative reflects the power of collaboration to advance healing for children and families,” said Peter Baker, senior vice president and administrator of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. “Support generated through this program would help ensure that we can continue providing comprehensive, compassionate care, especially for children facing the most complex medical challenges, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.”
Disneyland® Resort President Jill Estorino said the effort continues a legacy of support for pediatric health care.
“Walt Disney was dedicated to bringing the magic of Disney to children’s hospitals, and we are honored to carry that legacy forward,” Estorino said.
The specialty plates are estimated to cost $50 for sequential plates and $103 for personalized versions, plus a nonrefundable processing fee, with annual renewal fees of $40 or $83, respectively, in addition to standard registration costs.
In addition to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, participating hospitals include children’s hospitals affiliated with the University of California system as well as nonprofit pediatric hospitals throughout the state.
Those interested in supporting the initiative can sign up to receive updates and preorder information through the California Health Facilities Financing Authority at treasurer.ca.gov/chffa/plates.