Expanding behavioral health care remains a top priority for Akron Children’s. In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Children’s Hospital Association declared a National State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health in response to rising rates of childhood mental health concerns, including suicide, a leading […]
From sepsis to survival: Toddler fights to regain his life after devastating illness
For Shanelle Beachy, the two-hour roundtrip drive to Akron Children’s Hospital has become a familiar route. Three times a week, she makes the trip from her family’s home in Sugarcreek, determined to give her son Reid, age 2 ½, the best possible care. Reid, a happy and thriving toddler, had his world turned upside down […]
A heart for children: After Hours nurse shares why she loves her job
When their pediatrician’s office is closed, medical advice and peace of mind for concerned parents is only a phone call away. Children’s After Hours is a phone service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for established patients. A team of highly trained, dedicated nurses answers the calls, offering families tips for at-home […]
Hospital teams pull together for Ezra after a serious accident
Ezra Swartzentruber, an 11-year-old from Wooster, is making a tremendous recovery following serious injuries he sustained after being struck by a car in early February. His recovery is a testament to the outstanding and collaborative care he received at Akron Children’s, including care from our trauma service in emergency medicine, orthopedics, neurosurgery, anesthesiology and […]
Local woman reinvents her career with the help of Career Launch
As a 35-year-old wife and mother of two, Sarah Hufstetler dared to dream beyond the familiar. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communications, Sarah worked as an analyst in the tech industry for many years. But after having kids, she dreamed of pursuing a more meaningful and fulfilling career working in health care. […]
More Than a Job: Rose Lopez enjoys having fun while making a difference for her patients
Rose Lopez, clinical coordinator, says it’s always been a dream of hers to work at Akron Children’s. “Eleven years ago, I was working in a long-term care facility as a nurse, but I knew I wanted to be connected to Akron Children’s, so I decided to volunteer as a guest attendant to get my foot […]













