Akron Children’s Boardman ER recognized among nation’s best with Lantern Award

08-25-2025 (Mahoning Valley, Ohio)

Akron Children’s Boardman Emergency Department was recently named a 2025 Lantern Award recipient by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). This year a record 96 Lantern Awards were given to emergency departments that demonstrated outstanding leadership, practice, education and advocacy that resulted in improved patient care and staff well-being. 

“These recipients demonstrate excellence in practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation that make their departments exceptional places for patients receiving care as well as for the staff working in them,” said ENA President Ryan Oglesby.

“This award is a testament to the skill, compassion and innovation our nurses and staff bring to every patient encounter,” said Paul Olivier, vice president of Akron Children's Mahoning Valley enterprise. “To be one of only two pediatric hospitals in Ohio recognized on the list, underscores the high standards of care we strive for every day. We are proud to serve our community with this level of excellence.”

ENA announced the first Lantern Awards in 2011, and each year continues to recognize emergency departments that demonstrate exceptional and innovative leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research. The ENA Lantern Award Committee reviews and scores each application and selects the recipients for a three-year cycle, after which time departments may apply again.