Akron Children’s Health Center, Wooster is one of the latest additions to the hospital’s growing list of community-based health centers opening across Ohio. And thanks to the generosity of two donor families, the facility will be there to serve the Wooster region for years to come.
The new 15,239-square-foot building will be donated to Akron Children’s by Randy and Lisa Payne and Jim and Ann Schmidt – a gift totaling nearly $4 million.
The gift will help Akron Children’s build a lasting presence in the region. Randy is president of the Adena Corporation, based in Mansfield, Ohio, which served as the building’s general contractor and developer. Jim is president of MKC Architects, and was a co-investor for the project.
“Lisa and I are very happy and fortunate to support the mission of Akron Children’s Hospital,” said Randy. “The services they provide in Wooster and the entire region have helped our family, friends and members of our team for years. It’s wonderful to be able to give back something to help future generations and their families.”
Grace Wakulchik, Randy and Lisa Payne, Randa Payne and Ryan Payne photo taken pre-COVID pandemic)
The health center is home to the Wooster office of Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics – a full-service pediatric primary care office which cares for newborns through teens and young adults. In addition to services ranging from well-child visits and routine immunizations to the care of children with chronic illnesses, the health center also provides pediatric cardiology and gastroenterology services to the community.
“This model of giving back is something we have done in the past with other projects,” Jim said. “And this is such a great location to serve the community. We hope it gives the area the access to important medical services that growing families need.”
Ann and Jim Schmidt
Thanks to their generosity, Akron Children’s hospital is now able to offer world-class pediatric care in a setting that’s closer to home for thousands of families.
“We truly appreciate the support of donors such as Randy and Lisa Payne and Jim and Ann Schmidt,” said Grace Wakulchik, president and CEO of Akron Children’s Hospital. “It’s heartwarming and shows how much the Wooster and Wayne County communities value pediatric health care and making sure its children have only the brightest and healthiest futures.”
