Legislative Advocacy
Members of the Women’s Board play a vital role in advocating for the well-being of all children and have long served as trusted advocates in advancing the hospital mission at the local, state and federal levels of government. We have worked directly with Akron Children’s leaders and government relations staff to advocate for policy and funding initiatives within in Ohio’s State Operating Budget. Additionally, we have engaged with members of the Ohio General Assembly to advocate for projects funded through the Ohio State Capital Budget, including obtaining monies for the expansion of the hospital's inpatient behavioral health unit in Akron and the Mahoning Valley Emergency Department expansion project on the Beeghly Campus. The Women’s Board has also advocated for increased funding for Children’s Hospital’s Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) at the federal level. As a teaching hospital, Akron Children’s utilizes this funding to provide resident slots to train the next generation of physician and sub-specialist providers.
Home Safe Home
Since 1951, the Women's Board has provided to Akron Public School’s second-graders a safety program covering injury prevention and supporting the child advocacy and the community outreach components of our mission. With the support of the many hospital departments, like injury prevention and school nursing, and the emergency department - the program’s content was updated and will be presented on Smart boards and Chromebooks. Partnering with Akron Public Schools, we expect to reach over 1600 second-graders with 70 presentations. Reinforcing basic water, fire and common safety areas, our goal is to help prevent childhood injuries.
Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) Support
Women's Board members make follow-up calls to patient families to ensure they are scheduled for recommended clinical care at the hospital and with outside groups best suited for their needs.
The Women’s Board strives to be a caring contact that supports Akron Children’s by meeting needs within the hospital and in the greater community, including:
Vaccination and Testing Support
Our members helped with vaccines and administrative duties at Akron Children’s COVID-19 clinics and testing sites.
Garden of Hope and Healing
In 2008, the Women's Board dedicated the Children's Garden of Hope and Healing as an extension of the holistic, family-centered care provided at Akron Children’s.
Northern Ohio Charities Support
Since 1974, Women's Board members have worked with Northern Ohio Golf Charities and Foundation (NOGCF) volunteers to ensure the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship (previously the Bridgestone World Series of Golf) continues to be a part of the Akron community. Thanks to the Women Board’s long-standing support of this tournament, NOGCF provides Akron Children’s with annual support.
Hospital Capital Improvements
Promise Campaign Pledge supporting the Kay Jewelers Pavilion • Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit • Outpatient Rehabilitation Renovation • The Skeletal Dysplasia Clinic • Expressive Art Therapy Center • WKDD “Have a Heart, Do Your Part” Radiothon at Akron Children’s • Telemedicine Program • Psychiatric Intake Response and Emergency Department • Palliative Care Center (ongoing support in various areas) • Burn Center (cleansing bathtubs) • Family Child Learning Center (hearing aids) • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit • Transport Isolette • Giraffe Omni Beds
Hospital Programs and Liaison Activities
Story of Hope beads program • The Annual Fund • Women’s Board Dedicated Fund • Doggie Brigade Registrations • Pinkie the Puppet (retired) • Barkers (our new comfort pet)
Service and Support
Reach Out and Read programs (providing books for all Akron Children’s Pediatric offices) • Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) instructional materials • Toy Fund
The Women’s Board serves the hospital and surrounding community by raising funds through a number of special events:
Celebrate the Plate
Host an event for Celebrate the Plate in support of Akron Children's
Children's Tree of Lights
Perkins Square Park at Akron Children’s sparkles each holiday season when the Children’s Tree of Lights is illuminated
Charity Ball
One of Akron’s oldest traditions, the Charity Ball recognizes and honors local families for their commitment to the Akron community.
Garden of Hope and Healing Plant Sale
Proceeds from our annual plant sale help maintain the garden for families and visitors.
In 1956, the Women’s Board founded the first Gift Shop at the hospital to support families and staff. At the time, the cash register was a metal box.
Today, the Women’s Board runs all aspects of the original Gift Shop in the hospital’s Atrium Lobby and an online team shop.
Gift Shop volunteers can help customers - in person or by phone - select the best gift from an array of toys, books, jewelry, flowers, balloons and custom gift baskets. Please call 330-543-8782 on our Akron campus, and 330-746-9578 on our Beeghly campus for assistance.
All proceeds from the Gift Shop benefit Akron Children’s.
Related Resources
The Akron Children's Women's Board has a proud history of serving patients and families of the greater Akron community and we remain focused on supporting future generations. For more information about the Women's Board or to get involved, please contact us.
