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Honoring the legacy of Sidney and Lois Eskenazi and how their philanthropic vision continues to inspire and guide us as we support Eskenazi Health’s work in caring for the most vulnerable members of our community.

Eskenazi Health lost two cherished members of its family in January 2026: Sidney and Lois Eskenazi. The Eskenazi’s $40 million contribution toward construction of the new Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital campus in 2011 marked one of the greatest philanthropic gifts ever given to the people of Central Indiana, and one of the largest gifts ever made to a public hospital in the United States. Since the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital and Eskenazi Health campus opened in 2013, the name Eskenazi has become a hallmark of leadership in health care, environmental design, public art and architecture. But above all, the name Eskenazi represents extraordinary compassion and generosity.

“Sid and Lois Eskenazi were so much more to us than names on a building,” said Lisa E. Harris, M.D., chief executive officer of Eskenazi Health. “They were hands-on advocates and cheerleaders, connecting with employees, physicians and patients. They were committed to hard work and to caring, feeling deeply the personal responsibility to give back, and we will honor their legacy by continuing to work hard and care for our community.”

A Lasting Impact

The Eskenazi legacy is reflected in the commitment to high-quality physical and mental health for all. It can be experienced throughout the Eskenazi Health downtown campus, where art, music and gardens create spaces that foster connection, healing and engagement for patients, families and the broader community. Their lasting impact also brings care to patients where they work and live through Eskenazi Health’s 21 community locations – ensuring access to compassionate, high-quality care across Central Indiana.

Sidney and Lois were dedicated to advocating for the work of Eskenazi Health, as well as continuing to support the Eskenazi Health Foundation’s philanthropic efforts.

“The Foundation has been forever changed by the Eskenazi family,” said Ernest Vargo II, CFRE, former president and chief executive officer of Eskenazi Health Foundation. “Eskenazi Health will always be grateful for their friendship and incredible gift, which was transformative not only in Indianapolis, but for other public hospitals. They led by example, demonstrating the importance of building a healthy community here in Central Indiana. It is now up to us to carry their mission forward and inspire others to do the same.”

To learn more about the lasting impact of Sidney and Lois Eskenazi, a recent WISH-TV interview with Sandra Eskenazi and Lisa E. Harris, M.D., highlights how their extraordinary generosity and compassion transformed health care in Central Indiana and continues to inspire a legacy of giving today.

Join us in honoring the Eskenazi philanthropic legacy by becoming a donor and continuing the community health care mission of Eskenazi Health they so proudly championed.