Donna and Jeff Heck and the team at 33 Forever Inc. are on a mission: to provide hope, help and empowerment to those with mental health issues. When Donna and Jeff’s family lost 33-year-old daughter Danielle “Dani” Leedy in 2019 after a long battle with chronic depression, friends, family and the Mansfield, Ohio, community rallied […]
Patient Experience Spotlight: Nancy Blanchard
Every day at Akron Children’s, we strive to deliver compassionate care and create positive experiences for our patients and families. This month, we’re spotlighting Nancy Blanchard, a parent partner in Akron Children’s inpatient behavioral health unit, who recently received the following feedback from a patient family: “I appreciate the parent partner (Nancy Blanchard). Finally, I […]
Encourage performance, not perfection, in sports
Signs your child is passionate about a sport can often be seen in the number of hours they spend playing, watching or talking about it. When this passion turns into an unrealistic drive to perfect their game – throwing a no hitter every game or sticking the landing at every competition – parents should help […]
Behavioral health nurses support patients and families through mental health crises
For Stephanie Ogden, clinical coordinator of the inpatient behavioral health unit in Akron, and Sara Zingaro, staff nurse in the partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient program in the Mahoning Valley, caring for kids in crisis is a calling. “I fell in love with adolescent behavioral health after my mental health rotation in nursing school,” […]
Why kids want the last word
Having the last word is a common desire for children and adults alike. For children, it’s often an effort to exert control in a situation where they feel they don’t have control. Parents, however, may see this behavior as defiance or disrespectful. Geoffrey Putt, PsyD, pediatric psychologist at Akron Children’s Hospital, reminds parents that if […]
Envelop your kids in love this Valentine’s Day, and every day
Helping your child feel loved is one of the most important initiatives of parenthood. Dr. Laura Gerak, a pediatric psychologist at Akron Children’s Hospital, shared insight on how to make sure children feel secure and valued. Finding one-on-one time to spend together Dr. Gerak recommends parents reserve time each week when they can be attentive […]
