March 31, 2026 | news post

Dayton Children’s Board of Trustees names next CEO

Dayton Children’s Hospital names Robert W. Steele, MD, MBA, as the fifth president and CEO, beginning July 1, 2026. Dr. Steele will succeed Debbie Feldman, who retires on June 30, 2026, after leading the hospital for 14 years.

The board selected Dr. Steele after a nationwide recruitment started in November 2025 by executive search firm Spencer Stuart. They have successfully completed nationwide C-suite searches for more than 20 children’s hospitals in recent years and developed a rigorous process to find the best candidates to continue the mission and vision that serves the children and families of the region.

“Dayton Children’s has a strong national reputation, as evidenced by the number and caliber of applicants we received,” says Todd Pleiman, Dayton Children’s Board of Trustees chairperson. “In Rob Steele, we found the right mix of family first medicine, business acumen and strategic leadership that we were seeking. We look forward to what the future holds.”

Dr. Steele began his career as a pediatrician in 1997 in Springfield, Missouri, where he served children and families for 17 years. He currently serves as the chief innovation and strategy officer for Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, a 386-bed health system with two campuses, a research institute and fetal health center. There he created and implemented a five-year strategic plan that invested in building a full continuum of care for mental health, including a joint venture for a new mental health hospital with 48 beds. He increased access for underserved children, enhanced culture through improved operations and secured millions in government funding for innovative projects and technologies. He sits on a number of boards of directors for community development organizations in that region, showcasing his commitment to families and neighborhoods.

“I am incredibly honored to be the next advocate to serve the children and families of the Dayton, Ohio, region,” says Dr. Rob Steele. “What Debbie Feldman, her team and the staff have created at Dayton Children’s is wondrous. I view it as a sacred trust to inherit this leadership role and am dedicated to continuing the reinvention of the path to children’s health in the relentless pursuit of optimal health for every child within our reach.”

career highlights

professional experience

  • Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
    • Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, October 2019 – present
  • Arkansas Children’s, Little Rock, AR
    • Chief Strategy Officer, June 2014 – October 2019
    • President, Arkansas Children’s Medical Group (concurrent), March 2017 – October 2019
    • President, Arkansas Children’s Care Network (concurrent), May 2017 – October 2019
  • Mercy Springfield Communities, Springfield, MO
    • President, March 2013 – June 2014
    • Senior Vice President, Market Growth & Development, July 2011 – March 2013
    • Mercy Springfield Health Plans Board, July 2008 – March 2013
    • Practicing Pediatrician, August 1997 – 2017
  • Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
    • Chief Resident, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Support, July 1996 – July 1997

community involvement

  • Kansas City Area Development Corporation, Board of Directors
  • Keystone Community Corporation, Board of Directors
  • UMKC Health Sciences District, Board of Directors
  • Kansas City Area Health Commission, Education Committee

education

  • University of Massachusetts – Amherst Isenberg School of Management, Master of Business Administration, 2013
  • Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine, 1993
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Arts, 1989

contact us

If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact public relations manager, Katie Solovey, at 937-673-4941 or by filling out a media inquiry through our contact us form.

March 12, 2026 | news post

Dayton Children’s expands access to pediatric rehabilitative services with new building

Dayton Children’s Hospital today announced plans for a new rehabilitative services building that will expand access to physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy for children and families across the region. It’s an area that has seen tremendous growth, with patient visits more than doubling in the last five years.

“We are seeing more children than ever before, and we are seeing them more regularly,” says Terry Weigel, director of rehab services at Dayton Children’s. “At the same time, new tools and techniques require more space to use and store. This new building will allow us to continue to provide the above and beyond Dayton Children’s experience for our families and kids.”

The new location will feature convenient surface parking, outdoor space to aid in healing, and a single-level layout, making it easier for families to arrive, check in and get to appointments. The building will also include better-designed therapy spaces to accommodate children living with autism. These features are especially important as many families have regular appointments with children who frequently have mobility or sensory challenges

The future facility will be developed at 437 Valley Street, which is currently a parking lot next to the Ronald McDonald House.

“This investment reflects our commitment to helping children achieve their optimal health, including independence and quality of life,” said Deborah Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital. “Rehabilitative services change lives, and this building will allow us to meet growing needs for years to come.”

fast fact about rehabilitative services

  • Physical therapy: Focuses on improving gross motor skills, strength, balance and coordination associated with movement disorders, developmental delays and injuries
  • Occupational therapy: Focuses on improving fine motor skills, sensory processing and emotional regulation to help children function independently in daily life, such as playing, learning, and self-care.
  • Speech therapy: Focuses on challenges with speech, language, social communication, feeding and swallowing to improve communication skills.

For more information about pediatric rehabilitative services at Dayton Children’s here.

contact us

If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact public relations manager, Katie Solovey, at 937-673-4941 or by filling out a media inquiry through our contact us form.

March 1, 2026 | news post

Dayton Children’s names new chief financial officer

Dayton Children’s names Greg Dillard, MBA, as vice president and the new chief financial officer (CFO) on March 1, 2026. He succeeds Chris Bergman, who retired at the end of February after ten years of service.

Dillard brings more than 30 years of progressive financial leadership experience to the role. He served the past nine years at Dayton Children’s, most recently as executive director of finance, revenue cycle and managed care.

“I’m grateful to be joining the senior leadership team in the relentless pursuit of optimal health for every child within our reach,” says Dillard. “I look forward to serving as a key partner in addressing problems and finding creative solutions, mindful of financial stressors and seizing opportunities, so the organization continues for generations to come.”

“Greg has been a true partner in leading the modernization of nearly every one of our financial divisions, from optimizing revenue cycle operations to advancing payer strategies that support the hospital’s long-term sustainability and growth,” says Debbie Feldman, president and CEO for Dayton Children’s. “He has the exact skills and knowledge to help us invest in reinventing the path to children’s health in the future.”

Throughout his career, Dillard has built a strong reputation for financial stewardship, operational excellence and strategic leadership at health care organizations across southwest Ohio, including The Christ Hospital Health Network. That’s where he worked with Chris Bergman, the retiring CFO, who recruited Dillard to Dayton Children’s. This long-term working relationship ensures seamless continuity in the transition.

“Greg has a deep understanding of Dayton Children’s financial strategy and priorities as well as a gift for inspiring his teams,” says Chris Bergman. “He once promised his team if they hit a certain goal, they could throw pies at him. And when they hit that goal, he not only kept that promise but invited senior leaders over to participate. It was a true culture building moment.”

As CFO, Dillard will oversee Dayton Children’s financial operations, including financial planning, revenue cycle, managed care, long-term strategic investments, information technology and procurement.

contact us

If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact public relations manager, Katie Solovey, at 937-673-4941 or by filling out a media inquiry through our contact us form.

February 10, 2026 | news post

Dayton Children’s expands pediatric care access in Urbana and Springfield

A young child flexing, showing strength after being treated at Dayton Children's.

Dayton Children’s Hospital will acquire Mercy Health’s pediatric practice in Urbana and rehabilitation services in Springfield in early March.

Mercy Health and Dayton Children’s Hospital have long been strong collaborators, and this endeavor will bring the pediatric expertise of Dayton Children’s directly to these areas to strengthen children’s health in the region. Both hospitals desire stronger, more accessible and sustainable pediatric care for families in our region.

key details

  • Families will continue to see the same providers and therapists at the same locations, with no disruption to their established care relationships. 
  • Staff will become Dayton Children’s employees on March 9, 2026.  
  • Both entities will be renamed Dayton Children’s. 

“At Mercy Health, our priority has always been ensuring children and families have access to the highest quality care,” says Adam Groshans, market president of Mercy Health-Springfield. “Having Dayton Children’s pediatric expertise available in these communities strengthens children’s health across the region and helps ensure families can continue to receive specialized care close to home.”

“We know the path to children’s health is evolving, and this acquisition is another step along that path toward achieving the optimal health for every child within our reach,” said Debbie Feldman, president and CEO, Dayton Children’s Hospital. “We are committed to caring for the children in our region and continuously look at ways to serve them better. This opportunity benefits families today and opens doors to exciting possibilities for the future.”

contact us

If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact public relations manager, Katie Solovey, at 937-673-4941 or by filling out a media inquiry through our contact us form.

December 26, 2025 | news post

Dayton Children’s implements temporary visitor restrictions amid high flu and respiratory illness activity

An aerial photo of the modern Dayton Children's Hospital building at sunset, featuring a multi-story facade with blue panels and internal lighting in vibrant red, yellow, and blue bands.

Effective December 26, Dayton Children’s Hospital is experiencing exceptionally high patient volumes across its emergency departments, urgent care centers and Kids Express locations due to a significant increase in flu and other respiratory illnesses in the community.

To help protect patients, families and staff during this period of high transmission, Dayton Children’s is implementing temporary visitor restrictions and reminding families to choose the most appropriate setting for care. These steps are aligned with guidance from the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA) and are consistent with actions being taken by other hospitals across the region.

visitor restrictions

Effective immediately, children younger than 14 will not be permitted to visit inpatient units. This is a standard safety measure used during periods of increased respiratory illness activity and is routinely implemented during fall and winter months to help reduce the spread of infection.

Additionally, Dayton Children’s requests anyone who is ill with any respiratory symptoms including coughing, fever, chills, headache, vomiting, sore throat, muscle aches or diarrhea to avoid visiting the hospital at this time.

choosing the right care

Dayton Children’s encourages parents and caregivers to consider the most appropriate care option for their child’s symptoms. Families are advised to:

  • Use the hospital’s online symptom checker to help determine the best place for care
  • Contact their child’s primary care provider first, including after hours, for guidance
  • Reserve emergency department visits for true emergencies so patients with the most urgent needs can receive timely care

While Dayton Children’s will continue to care for all patients who arrive at the emergency department, families are encouraged to seek care at alternate locations when symptoms are not emergent.

Kids Express access

Families referred to Kids Express are encouraged to save their spot online before arrival. This option can help reduce wait times and support more efficient care during periods of high demand.

Dayton Children’s appreciates the community’s cooperation as it works alongside regional health care partners to ensure safe, timely and high-quality care for children during this respiratory illness season.

contact us

If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact public relations manager, Katie Solovey, at 937-673-4941 or by filling out a media inquiry through our contact us form.

related resources

December 10, 2025 | news post

Dayton Children’s NICU at Kettering Health begins caring for critically ill newborns

Dayton Children’s Hospital begins managing and operating its second NICU, located at Kettering Health Main Campus, operating as a hospital within a hospital. This endeavor will provide seamless, integrated care for critically ill newborns at Kettering Health and provides the groundwork for both organizations’ commitment to improving maternal and infant mortality rates in our region.  

An experienced leader will be at the helm. Ginny Dalton, DNP, RN, NE-BC is the newly named senior director of NICU services for Dayton Children’s and will manage both the NICU at Dayton Children’s and at Kettering Health. She was previously the administrative director of nursing for surgical and women’s services at Kettering Health Main Campus   and has a proven commitment to excellence, collaboration and communication. 

“We see this as a key step to providing the best possible care and experience for patients during the crucial initial days of a child’s life,” said Adam Maycock, president of Kettering Health Main Campus. “This will not only keep more families together through their comprehensive, whole-person care, but further strengthen how both organizations support health through pregnancy, delivery and the first steps of life in our community.” 

In addition to Dayton Children’s Hospital operating and managing the NICU at Kettering Health Main Campus, the collaboration will offer opportunities for innovation in the care of babies. Both Kettering Health and Dayton Children’s pride themselves on providing exceptional patient experiences and are committed to finding the best possible coordination of care for immediate and long-term care planning.  

“Together we are going to make Dayton the best place to be born and grow up,” said Debbie Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital. “Through this teamwork, we give babies the best possible start in life and work to overcome critical health issues that our community faces, such as the high rate of infant mortality.”   

Fast facts about NICU admissions, according to a 2025 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report: 

  • NICU admission rates increased in Ohio by 13% from 2016 to 2023. 
  • That means nearly 1 in 10 infants (9.8%) was admitted to a NICU in 2023. 
  • The increase was across all races and ethnicities, maternal age groups, gestational age and birthweight categories.  

the importance of NICU care

NICU care provides a specialized, high-tech environment for premature or critically ill newborns. This immediate and intensive medical care improves outcomes and helps babies survive and thrive. Key offerings include:  

  • Support and minimized stress for the entire family
  • Specialized medical expertise with advanced treatment for complex conditions 
  • Immediate and constant monitoring   
  • Advanced technology and equipment  
  • Improved outcomes 

contact us

If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact public relations manager, Katie Solovey, at 937-673-4941 or by filling out a media inquiry through our contact us form.

November 14, 2025 | news post

Debbie Feldman, president and CEO, announces retirement from Dayton Children’s

Retirement effective June 30, 2026 after 14 years of transformational leadership

After nearly 14 years, Deborah A. Feldman, fourth president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital, announces her retirement, effective June 30, 2026.   

“Every child in the Dayton region deserves a great children’s hospital close to home,” says Feldman. “I am proud to say that Dayton Children’s is that world class children’s hospital on every measure – from the quality of care, to the patient and family experience, to superior access to services. I am incredibly honored to have been a part of these remarkable achievements.”  

Since joining the organization in 2012, Feldman and her leadership team have focused on improving the health of children in the Dayton region, both inside the hospital and by aligning with community partners to reduce barriers to health. Key accomplishments include:  

  • Created and guided the hospital through two strategic plans, Destination 2020 and Reinventing the Path to Children’s Health which resulted in transformational growth.  
    • More than tripled revenue   
    • Increased number of providers by more than 500%  
    • Earned Magnet designation, Level 1 Trauma certification and Level 1 Pediatric Surgery verification and US News rankings in three specialties  
    • Initiated a comprehensive plan to address the pediatric mental health crisis of the community   
  • Forged care alliances with health care organizations for a cohesive approach that reduced costly duplication of services and amplified individual efforts  
  • Aligned with community partners to reduce barriers to health through innovative projects, including Vermillion Place, a first-of-its-kind kinship housing community, and the Center for Community Health  
  • Invested more than $800 million in new and refreshed facilities including: 
    • An eight-story patient tower in 2017  
    • An expanded south campus including specialty and primary care, a pharmacy, an emergency department and a surgery center from 2016 – 2018  
    • The Connor Child Health Pavilion in 2019  
    • Four new or expanded outpatient care centers   
    • Four Kids Express locations  
    • Specialty care center on the main campus in 2023  
    • The Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness in 2025  

Debbie embodies the trifecta of commitment to excellence, quest for innovation and heartfelt compassion,” says Mike McQuiston, chair for Dayton Children’s board of trustees and partner at the Connor Group. “Her first question is always ‘how will this impact the children of our community?’ Then once committed to a project, her last question is ‘how fast can we get it done to serve our kids?’ There is a reason Dayton Children’s moves at ‘the speed of Feldman!’”   

Beginning November 7, 2025, the executive search firm Spencer Stuart will begin nationwide recruitment for the next president and CEO. The Dayton Children’s Board of Trustees expects to make a decision by late spring 2026.  

“I have full faith that the board of trustees will select the right candidate who is committed to Dayton Children’s relentless pursuit of optimal health for every child within our reach,” says Feldman.   

For more information about Debbie Feldman’s accomplishments, honors and achievements.    

contact us

If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact:

Katie Solovey
public relations manager
937-673-4941

care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

November 14, 2025 | news post

Community celebrates opening of Vermillion Place, a first-of-its-kind housing community for kinship care families

A new chapter in community support began today in the Old North Dayton neighborhood. Partners, families and leaders gathered to celebrate the first phase of completion for Vermillion Place, a neighborhood designed to provide safe, affordable homes for families providing care for their extended family. 

“This initiative is more than housing,” says Jessica Salem, executive director of the Dayton Children’s Center for Community Health. 

it’s about nurturing a sense of belonging and providing support for kinship families who give so much to the children in their care.” 

Dayton Children’s community health workers identified a growing need for stable housing among kinship families—grandparents, aunts, uncles and others stepping in to care for children when parents cannot.  Working together with more than a dozen local, state and national partners, Dayton Children’s provided the seed, and their support grew this idea into a fruitful project. It’s an innovative approach unlike any other model across the country to support kinship care families.  

honoring a servant leader 
The development along Alaska Street is named Vermillion Place, in honor of Don Vermillion, a long-time public servant of the Dayton region. Don served 30 years in local government as Miamisburg City Manager and then Montgomery County Administrator.   

When his chapter in public office ended, he didn’t step away—he stepped forward, guiding the next generation of public servants as a professor at the University of Dayton Fitz Center for Leadership in Community and Political Science Department. In this role, he trained hundreds of the next generation of servant leaders in his fundamental truth – good government begins with the people it serves. He shepherded them into Dayton’s neighborhoods, one by one, to discover the needs of its citizens. 

Old North Dayton held a special place in Don’s heart. This is where his wife grew up; they were married down the street at Holy Cross. Every Easter, you could find him there, happily rolling eggs on the lawn.  

“Don was my mentor at the county and a mentor of many of our community leaders today,” says Debbie Feldman, president and CEO for Dayton Children’s Hospital.

this is exactly the type of endeavor he would have championed. I can think of no better way to honor his legacy than creating this namesake.” 

made possible through community partnerships  
This ambitious project has been made possible through the dedication, expertise and support of numerous partners, including: 

  • Dayton Children’s Hospital  
  • Ohio Housing Finance Agency (syndicated by Marble Cliff Capital)  
  • City of Dayton HOME and American Rescue Plan  
  • Montgomery County HOME  
  • First Financial Bank  
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development  
  • The Housing Development Loan (HDL) program   
  • Wallick Communities, property management  
  • ATA Beilharz Architects  
  • CityWide Community Development 
  • PNC Bank  

about Vermillion Place 

  • 26 homes between Alaska and Rita Streets  
  • Each has three bedrooms and two bathrooms 
  • A playground and community room  
  • Close to schools, parks, urban amenities and Dayton Children’s Hospital for easy access to resources 
  • Families gain links to education, food and social services, reducing isolation 

who can apply for kinship housing? 
Wallick Communities is the property manager and is responsible for all tenant selection, leasing and maintenance of the community. 

  • Priority will be given to kinship caregivers with legal custody of the children in their care, especially those who might have specific chronic health conditions. 
  • Applicants do not currently have to live in Montgomery County but must be willing to relocate. 
  • Housing is income-restricted; housing costs should not exceed 40% of household income. 

For more information or to apply, contact Wallick Communities (614) 980-4979. Learn more here

care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

October 29, 2025 | news post

Dayton Children’s announces new Surgeon-in-Chief, Associate CMO

Dr. Arturo Aranda

Effective November 1, Arturo Aranda, MD will assume the role of Surgeon-in-Chief and Associate Chief Medical Officer,. In this position, Dr. Aranda will oversee the Department of Surgery, which includes perioperative services, all surgical divisions and anesthesia. 

As Dr. Aranda steps down from his duties as division chief to take over this position, several changes within the Pediatric Surgery Division have been announced: 

  • Dr. John Crow will serve as Chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery while continuing his roles as Trauma Director and PICU Surgical Director for the hospital. 
  • Dr. Oliver Soldes will serve as Chief Surgical Quality and Outcomes Officer and MDCSV. 
  • Dr. Elisabeth Wynne will assume the role of Associate Program Director of Surgery at Wright State University and continue as COG representative and NICU Surgical Director. 
  • Dr. Anne Mackow will become the NSQIP Champion and continue as Director of the Chest Wall Center. 

As a final action as division chief, Dr. Aranda announced the hiring of Dr. Tate Nice, a pediatric surgeon from San Antonio, who will join Dayton Children’s in January 2026. His addition will restore the team to five full-time pediatric surgeons plus the Surgeon-in-Chief, further strengthening the division’s ability to provide advanced, high-quality surgical care to children and families. 

Dr. Aranda completed a general surgical residency at Wright State University and Monterrey University Christus-Muguerza Hospital in Monterrey, Mexico. He is fellowship trained in pediatric surgery from the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and received certification in pediatric robotic surgery from Boston Children’s Hospital. He practiced pediatric surgery at Christus-Muguerza Hospital in Monterrey, Mexico before being recruited by Dayton Children’s in 2011. In 2019, he became the Chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery. He holds a Certified Physician Executive degree and an MBA. As a father of four, he enjoys attending their activities with his wife. 

“I am deeply proud of the incredible team within our surgery division,” said Dr. Aranda. “We have built a culture centered on patient safety, performance improvement and collaboration. I look forward to continuing to work with our entire team at this wonderful hospital, where we save and improve the lives of babies and children every day. It is a pleasure to work in an institution whose mission, vision, and values align with our calling to be part of a healthcare team” 

Dayton Children’s Hospital remains committed to providing world-class surgical care and innovation to the region’s children and families, driven by a team of highly skilled, compassionate experts. 

contact us

If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact public relations manager, Katie Solovey, at 937-673-4941 or by filling out a media inquiry through our contact us form.

October 3, 2025 | news post

Dayton Children’s Hospital thanks the community for record-breaking $85 million in donations to the Do.More. so all kids thrive campaign

Funds support key initiatives in the relentless pursuit of optimal health for children

Dayton Children’s celebrates the record-breaking culmination of the six-year, Do.More. so all kids thrive fundraising campaign. While the goal was $75 million, the community went above and beyond to support the hospital with $85 million dollars in donations in three key areas: elevating mental health, advancing care and removing barriers.  

This support is a crucial addition to the $400 million that Dayton Children’s invested over the span of the Do. More. campaign toward the most urgent challenges facing children in the region.   

We are truly in this together. It is incredibly humbling that our community supported Dayton Children’s mission at such an historic and unprecedented level,” says Jena Pado, vice president, chief development officer of Dayton Children’s Hospital.

“It means they believe in our vision, they believe we are on the right path and they believe that together, as a community, we can make Dayton the very best place for children to grow up and thrive.” 

thank you for helping us do. more. 

Take a few moments to learn more about the impact of the Do. More. campaign. 

A special thank you to those who provided transformational gifts: 

  • The Mathile Family
  • The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners 
  • Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services
  • CareSource 
  • Greener Pastures Foundation 
  • Speedway stores, part of 7-Eleven Inc. 
  • Dayton Children’s staff collectively 
  • U.S. Congressman Mike Turner and the Department of Housing and Urban Development 

In addition to the $85 million raised in the campaign, Dayton Children’s extends the deepest gratitude to Ohio state leaders for a $25 million investment in pediatric mental health. 

  • Ohio Governor Mike DeWine 
  • Ohio General Assembly 

A heartfelt thank you to the campaign co-chairs: 

  • Rob and Jane Connelly 
  • Tony and Jean Kenney 

elevating mental health

Sixty percent of the donations to the campaign were allocated to elevating mental health along with an additional $25 million from the state’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds specifically toward the Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness. The Mathile Center will begin accepting inpatients on August 13, 2025. 

“One in five children will need care for a mental health issue, making this the health care crisis of our children’s generation,” says Kelly Blankenship, DO, associate chief medical officer for mental health. “Families are depending on us to de-escalate the mental health crisis by providing more services and giving them tools to manage mental health throughout their lives.” 

The funds allow: 

  • Expansion and alignment of crisis care services with the Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness 
  • Expansion of therapy into more communities, such as Beavercreek and Huber Heights 
  • Providing early intervention and prevention services for more children in more places, including The Connor Child Health Pavilion, to teach resilience and prevent a crisis from occurring 

advancing care

Last year, children sought treatment at Dayton Children’s nearly 700,000 times. Every one of them deserves the highest-level care that meets their unique needs. This means expanding high touch, personalized care like sensory rooms and child life as well as investing in high-tech, state-of-the-art care such as new, life-saving technologies, optimal healing environments and cutting-edge clinical research.  

These funds allow: 

  • Investment in advanced technology for the increasingly complex care needs of our region’s tiniest babies as well as children with chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries, including a clinical simulation center 
  • Pioneering collaborations, like the Living Biobank, to develop and implement new treatments for pediatric cancer, sickle cell and other life-altering health conditions 
  • Expanded interventions such as Canine Co-pilots, music therapy and child life support that reduce stress and improve outcomes 

removing barriers

Too many of our region’s children face uncertain futures due to poor health. Ohio ranks 47 out of 50 states in health outcomes with children ranking toward the bottom. Adverse experiences such as poverty, food insecurity, lack of access to pediatric primary care and abuse create barriers to optimal health. Innovative approaches are needed to improve our children’s health today and in the future. 

These funds allow: 

  • Creation of a pediatric urgent care in West Dayton to improve access to care 
  • Expansion of social needs screening to thousands more families to identify barriers to good health such as food insecurity and connect them to resources that help them lead healthier lives 
  • Support for injury prevention in our community 

“Our children deserve a great children’s hospital close to home,” says Debbie Feldman, president and CEO. “They deserve a hospital that not only helps sick kids get better, but one that reinvents the path to health so all children can thrive. We are so thankful for the overwhelming support of our community. Together we will continue the relentless pursuit of optimal health for every child within our reach.” 

contact us

If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact: Katie Solovey public relations manager 937-641-3666

care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.