When lawmakers make decisions about healthcare policy, conversations often center on budgets, legislation and funding. Family Advocacy Day helps bring those discussions back to what matters most: the children and families whose lives are directly affected by those decisions. “Family Advocacy Day, hosted by the Children’s Hospital Association, brings together patients and families from children’s […]
Akron Children’s celebrates 19 graduating fellows
After years of advanced training, 19 fellows will graduate from Akron Children’s this month, completing specialized programs that prepare them to care for children with complex and unique healthcare needs. Training the next generation of pediatric specialists For physicians and other medical providers, fellowship training represents an additional step that allows providers to gain in-depth […]
Melanie Brewster named Akron Children’s Magnet Nurse of the Year
When Melanie Brewster was named Akron Children’s 2026 Magnet Nurse of the Year for Transformational Leadership, it came as no surprise to the nurses and leaders who have worked alongside her. Known by many as the organization’s unofficial “Chief Hype Officer,” Melanie helped lead Akron Children’s to an exemplary Magnet site visit in March 2026. […]
From surviving to thriving: Family shares daughter’s mental health journey in hope of helping others
Jordyn was always social, active and deeply connected to the people around her. So, when the world shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, her mother, Andrea, began noticing changes that felt impossible to ignore. “Her depression really started during COVID when everything went to home instruction,” Andrea said. “She’s a very social girl, and suddenly […]
Brian Bidlingmyer named Akron Children’s first Community Hero Award recipient
When it comes to protecting kids, few efforts are as impactful and lifesaving as teaching children how to be safe around water. That commitment is why Brian Bidlingmyer of the Akron Area YMCA was named the recipient of Akron Children’s very first Community Hero Award. The Community Hero Award is part of Akron Children’s More […]
Amanda Wade bridges practice and education in her new role
When Nurse Practitioner Amanda Wade steps into her new dual role between Akron Children’s Emergency Room and The University of Akron’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Program, she’ll be doing more than balancing 2 jobs. Instead, in this role, she’ll help connect real-world pediatric care with the next generation of advanced practice providers (APPs). A career […]
