Dayton Children’s names Feldman Center for Healthy Futures, honoring Debbie Feldman’s 14 years of transformational, purpose-driven leadership

Dayton Children’s today announced the naming of the Feldman Center for Healthy Futures in honor of president and CEO Debbie Feldman and her 14 years of leadership transforming how care is delivered to children and families across the region.

The announcement came during a special event at the hospital’s new urgent care in West Dayton, marking both a milestone for the community and an opportunity to reflect on Feldman’s lasting impact on Dayton Children’s.

Since becoming president and CEO in 2012, Feldman has led the organization through significant growth and innovation. Under her leadership, Dayton Children’s expanded access to care, strengthened its role as a national leader in pediatric health and deepened its commitment to serving families through neighborhood-based care, mental health services and community partnerships designed to support children long before a hospital visit is needed.

“The naming recognizes Debbie’s lasting influence on the organization’s strategy, culture and approach to community-based pediatric care,” said Todd Pleiman, chair of the Dayton Children’s board of trustees. “She challenged us to think differently about how we care for children — not just when they are sick, but how we help them reach their optimal health.”

During Feldman’s tenure, Dayton Children’s achieved several significant milestones, including:

• National recognition from accrediting organizations and U.S. News & World Report, with multiple specialties ranked among the best in the country
• Expansion across the full continuum of mental health services, including the opening of the Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness
• Adoption of innovative tools and programs, including Kids Express, the Center for the Female Athlete and AI ambient listening technology for patient visits
• Growth of community partnerships focused on prevention and early support, including Ready by 5 and a kinship housing community
• Recognition for workplace excellence, including national honors for clinician engagement and well-being

Feldman’s leadership has been guided by a clear goal: reinventing the path to children’s health through expanded access, integrated care and a focus on outcomes beyond hospital walls.

“This honor reflects the work of an extraordinary team and community that believes every child deserves the opportunity to reach their optimal health,” Feldman said. “I’m deeply grateful to have been part of building a future where children and families can access care, support and hope in the communities where they live.”

Located in West Dayton, the Feldman Center for Healthy Futures is designed not only to provide care today, but also to serve as a foundation for future services, partnerships and innovations that will meet the needs of the community’s children and continue improving outcomes.

a community effort

Dayton Children’s urgent care in West Dayton was built on the voices of the families who live in this community. Their input shaped the services and the structure so that care meets their needs.

At the same time, the community rallied around support of this project. CityWide Development secured $8.5 million in federal new markets tax credits and $1 million in state new markets tax credits for the project. Ohio legislative leaders provided $2 million in state budget appropriations.

CareSource donated $1.5 million in a gift that will be prominently celebrated in the lobby that bears the organization’s name. In addition, many generous community members donated to the project. Finally, a portion of the recent Golisano Foundation investment will support this project.  This service to the community could not have happened without this gracious support.

care close to home

The urgent care will begin serving families on May 27 with same-day pediatric care, including evening and weekend hours. As the first service within the Feldman Center for Healthy Futures, it represents an important step in increasing access and connecting families to care in their own community.

The Feldman Center for Healthy Futures reflects Dayton Children’s ongoing commitment to building a healthier future for every child — a vision shaped and championed by Feldman throughout her tenure.