Families now have access to five Kids Express locations offering trusted pediatric care close to home
Families in the south Dayton region now have expanded access to convenient pediatric care with the opening of Dayton Children’s newest Kids Express location in Kettering.
Located at 4475 Far Hills Ave., the new Kids Express officially opened July 7 and provides walk-in care for children with minor illnesses when their pediatrician’s office is closed or when same-day appointments are unavailable.
Designed specifically for kids and staffed by pediatric experts, Kids Express offers families convenient access to trusted pediatric care close to home.“Kids don’t just get sick during regular business hours,” said Dr. Lisa Ziemnik, division chief for Kids Express and urgent care at Dayton Children’s. “Our new Kettering Kids Express makes it easier for families to get the expert pediatric care they need, when they need it, in a convenient location.”
The Kettering location treats children from six weeks to 18-years-old for common minor conditions such as:
Cough, cold and flu symptoms
Fever
Ear pain
Sore throat
Pink eye
Rashes
Sinus infections
Lice
Sports physicals
The new location is part of Dayton Children’s ongoing commitment to improve access to care across the region by bringing pediatric services closer to where families live, work and go to school.
Kids Express is not a replacement for emergency care. Families should seek emergency services if a child is experiencing trouble breathing, severe bleeding, serious injury or other life-threatening symptoms.
All Kids Express locations, including Kettering, are open:
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome and families can also view wait times online before arrival.
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.
Dr. Rob Steele begins role as president and CEO of Dayton Children’s
Today marks a new chapter at Dayton Children’s as Dr. Robert Steele officially begins his role as president and CEO.
Dr. Steele joins Dayton Children’s with extensive leadership experience in pediatric healthcare. Most recently, he served as chief innovation and strategy officer at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, where he helped lead efforts to expand access and advance pediatric care. A practicing pediatrician for 17 years, he brings both clinical expertise and a deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of children and families.
“Dayton Children’s has a remarkable legacy of caring for kids and serving families across our region,” said Dr. Steele. “I am honored to join this extraordinary team and build on the strong foundation already in place. From my very first visit, it was clear that Dayton Children’s is a special place, defined by people whose passion and commitment to children show up in everything they do.”
Dr. Steele looks forward to listening, learning and partnering with staff, providers, families and community leaders as he begins his new role.
“What stands out most about Dayton Children’s is its unwavering commitment to meeting kids where they are and addressing the evolving needs of children beyond the walls of the hospital,” said Dr. Steele. “Whether it is expanding access to specialty care, supporting mental health or investing in community partnerships, Dayton Children’s continues to lead in ways that truly matter.”
Dr. Steele succeeds Debbie Feldman, whose 14 years of leadership helped shape Dayton Children’s into one of the nation’s leading freestanding children’s hospitals. Under Feldman’s leadership, Dayton Children’s experienced tremendous growth, including expanded specialty services, major facility investments, nationally recognized quality and safety achievements, and transformative investments in pediatric mental health and community health.
Todd Pleiman, chair of the Dayton Children’s Board of Trustees, said the organization is well-positioned for continued success under Dr. Steele’s leadership.
“Dr. Steele is a thoughtful, collaborative leader who understands the challenges and opportunities facing pediatric health care today,” said Pleiman. “We are confident in his vision and excited for the future of Dayton Children’s.”
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.
Dayton Children’s establishes the Imagination Library of Montgomery County Fund
created in honor of Ohio Governor Mike and First Lady Fran DeWine, champions of the program which provides free books to thousands of local children
Dayton Children’s Hospital announced the creation of the Imagination Library of Montgomery County fund, in honor of Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine.
This effort creates a sustained source of funding for the local cost of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in Montgomery County, helping ensure that thousands of young children will continue receiving a personalized, age-appropriate book for free each month, while building strong foundations for learning and lifelong health.
“This investment reflects our commitment to improving the health and well-being of children beyond the walls of our hospital,” says Debbie Feldman president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital. “By helping families build strong reading habits early, we are investing in healthier futures, stronger educational outcomes and a more resilient community.”
Since becoming the Montgomery County local partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 2019, Dayton Children’s has enrolled nearly 49,000 children. Through the program, children from birth to age five receive a free, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home each month. That equates to more than a million new books in the hands of children living in Montgomery County because of this program.
why this fund matters
Research shows that early literacy plays a critical role in child development and long-term success:
Approximately 90% of brain development occurs before age five.
Nearly one in three parents surveyed in Dayton Children’s Community Health Needs Assessment identified child development, including language and reading skills, as a top concern.
In 2024, only about one in three children in Montgomery County demonstrated readiness for kindergarten.
“This investment is about building a stronger future for our children and our community,” said David Taylor, member of the Dayton Children’s Board of Trustees and superintendent and CEO of Dayton Early College Academy. “Every child deserves to walk into their first day of school confident and ready to learn. This early investment helps put children on a path toward success in school and beyond.”
local impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Since 2019, the program has made a measurable impact across Montgomery County:
Approximately 21,000 children are currently enrolled, representing 69% of the county’s eligible population (birth to age five).
Nearly 49,000 children have been served since 2019.
Strong participation in communities where access to books has historically been limited.
Research conducted by the University of Dayton found that children enrolled in the program are read to more frequently at home and demonstrate stronger kindergarten readiness.
champions honored
Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine have long been champions of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
First Lady DeWine established the program in Ohio in 2019 in conjunction with The Dollywood Foundation. Since then, more than 26.8 million books have been gifted to children statewide.
“We are deeply honored to be part of this special announcement by Dayton Children’s, but what means even more is what this new fund represents,” said First Lady DeWine. “It will help make sure that children across Montgomery County continue experiencing the excitement of finding a new book in their mailbox each month. Sustainable local support like this is exactly what we hope to see in communities across Ohio because it helps ensure Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will continue changing children’s lives for years to come.”
“Fran has made it her mission to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library into every corner of our state so we can get books into the hands of Ohio’s youngest children and let them develop a love of reading from an early age,” said Governor DeWine. “Reading is the key to success in school and in life, and this program puts children on the pathway to reaching their full potential. We are grateful to Dayton Children’s for creating this fund so Montgomery County families can continue benefitting from the Imagination Library.”
The new fund helps ensure the program remains available to Montgomery County families for generations to come, providing a sustainable funding source as participation continues to grow.
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.
After life-changing care at Dayton Children’s, Charles D. Berry honored with naming at groundbreaking for new center
Longtime Dayton family donates $5 million to help future generations of children thrive; challenges community to join the effort
Dayton Children’s Hospital broke ground on the Charles D. Berry Center for Developmental Therapies, celebrating a transformational $4 million gift from Dayton philanthropist and businessman Charles D. “Chuck” Berry and launching a community challenge to raise $2 million more for the project.
For Berry, the gift is deeply personal.
As a child, Berry received care at Dayton Children’s following a leg lengthening surgery. Through therapy and rehabilitation services, he gained strength and mobility, an experience that left a lasting impression and inspired his desire to help future generations of children receive the same opportunity.
“Dayton Children’s taught me how to walk again after my surgery,” said Berry. “I have never forgotten the care I received here or the difference it made in my life. This gift is my way of helping ensure that children and families continue to have access to the therapies and support they need to reach their fullest potential.”
The new Charles D. Berry Center for Developmental Therapies will be a two-story facility located at 433 Valley Street, adjacent to the Ronald McDonald House. Designed to meet growing demand for developmental services, the center will expand access to pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapy while creating space for autism screening and mental health therapy for preschool age children.
In addition to his $4 million gift, Berry is challenging the community to join him in supporting the project by helping raise $2 million more for the project. As a surprise at the event, Chuck’s brother, John, donated $1 million, bringing the Berry family’s total contribution to the project to $5 million.
“Chuck’s generosity is rooted in gratitude, compassion and a deep belief in the potential of every child,” said Debbie Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital. “His personal story reflects the life-changing impact of pediatric therapies and his leadership gift will help thousands of children receive the support they need during the most important years of development.”
The Berry family has been a part of the Dayton community for generations, with a longstanding commitment to philanthropy and community improvement. Their support of Dayton Children’s represents an investment in the future health and well-being of children and families across the region.
“We are so thankful to Chuck and John Berry and the Charles D. Berry Foundation for their generous gift,” says Jena Pado, vice president and chief development officer. “Early identification and intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Because of Chuck’s generosity, more children will have access to expert care, earlier support and more opportunities to thrive.”
Demand for pediatric developmental therapies continues to grow, with the number of children receiving services at Dayton Children’s doubling over the past five years. Because of the donation from the Berry Family and Tom Golisano, the new center will make access for families easier, by including accessible surface parking, family-friendly spaces and therapy environments designed to support children with sensory needs. The center will open for patients in spring 2028.
About pediatric developmental therapies at Dayton Children’s:
Physical therapy focuses on improving gross motor skills, strength, balance and coordination associated with movement disorders, developmental delays and injuries.
Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills, sensory processing and emotional regulation to help children function independently in daily life, including play, learning and self-care.
Speech therapy supports speech, language, social communication, feeding and swallowing to improve communication and quality of life for children.
Autism screening focuses on the early identification of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental concerns to help children access support and services as early as possible.
Mental health therapy for preschool-age children focuses on emotional, behavioral and social development, helping young children and their families navigate challenges and build skills that support healthy growth and well-being.
Video played at the event highlighting Chuck Berry’s experience with Dayton Children’s:
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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.
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.
Dayton Children’s Hospital receives historic investment to reinvent the path to children’s health
$40 million donation from Tom Golisano will propel innovation toward making Dayton the healthiest place to grow up
Too many children only enter the health system in moments of crisis. Families face barriers in access to care, mental health needs go unmet until they escalate and care is often fragmented across settings. Even with world-class hospitals, outcomes for our children remain poor:
Ohio routinely ranks in the bottom half of states on many child health measures, despite having some of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals*
In our region, one in three children younger than 15 months don’t get their recommended well-child visits**
Nationally, 60% of kids who die by suicide never got a mental health diagnosis, meaning they never got to the right care when they needed it.***
How do we help? How do we get kids the care they need when and where they need it? How do we partner with families to reduce the burden on them from an often-fragmented health care environment?
“Just like Desmond Tutu once said, we need to stop just pulling children out of the river,” says Debbie Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s. “We need to go upstream and find out why they are falling in.”
a life-changing investment
A $40 million gift from entrepreneur, philanthropist and civic leader Tom Golisano will help change that trajectory, and meet children and families where they are, laying a foundation for lifelong wellness. It will enable Dayton Children’s to move upstream to prevent the preventable, intervene before a crisis and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
“Children deserve access to the right care before a problem becomes a crisis,” says Golisano. “Dayton Children’s has a clear vision for improving children’s health by reaching families earlier, integrating care and expanding access in the community. This investment supports that vision and helps create a stronger future for children and families across the region. I’m proud to partner with Dayton Children’s to accelerate this important work.”
Grounded in the hospital’s mission – the relentless pursuit of optimal health for every child within our reach – this investment accelerates Dayton Children’s vision of reinventing the path to children’s health with care centered on:
Primary care as the engine of health: expanding access to pediatric primary care as the most effective way to improve long-term outcomes and intervene early
Integrated mental and physical health: addressing the mental health crisis by embedding behavioral health into every aspect of care
Care in communities and schools: bringing services closer to where children live, learn and grow to remove barriers and reach families sooner
Accountability through outcomes: using data and shared learning to continuously improve, measure impact and scale what works
“This moment allows us to confront a system that too often rewards care delivered in crisis rather than care that prevents it,” says Feldman. “With this investment, we have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to get upstream, to intervene earlier and to redesign care in a way that supports the whole child. This is how we prevent the preventable and create healthier futures for children and families across our region.”
joining a learning network
As part of this transformation, Dayton Children’s will expand its ability to learn from and contribute to models of pediatric care across the country.
Through the Golisano Children’s Alliance — a national initiative that brings together children’s hospitals to expand services, strengthen collaboration and improve access to high-quality care close to home — Dayton Children’s will work alongside peer institutions to share insights, apply proven strategies and accelerate meaningful system-level change in pediatric health. As a member of the Alliance, Dayton Children’s will both benefit from and contribute to a growing national network committed to innovation, excellence and better outcomes for children and families.
honoring the investment
Dayton Children’s will honor this gift by naming the main campus on Valley Street as the Golisano Comprehensive Care Campus, a reflection of a shared commitment to changing the trajectory of children’s health for generations to come.
“This is about more than a name; it’s about what children and families will experience because of this investment,” says Jena Pado, vice president for Dayton Children’s Foundation and chief development officer. “When we meet families earlier, remove barriers to care and support the whole child, we change lives. That is the legacy this investment represents.”
Tom Golisano, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader, is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. Mr. Golisano’s vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives – in business, healthcare, education, animal welfare, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. His investments are advancing entrepreneurship and driving the success of numerous businesses and start-ups. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals — including multiple children’s hospitals across the country that bear his name and numerous other organizations exceed $1 billion.
A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, in 1985 Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation to make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than $120 million in gross assets, it is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities awarding grants to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.
In 2025, Mr. Golisano launched the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a national initiative that provides strategic funding and brings together children’s hospitals across the United States to elevate pediatric care by expanding services, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that children and families have access to the highest quality medical attention close to home. Together, Alliance members are building a nationally recognized network that exemplifies excellence, dignity, and innovation in pediatric health care.
Mr. Golisano formed and financially supports the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, where students receive a high quality business certificate and write their own entrepreneurial success stories, without having to take on enormous debt.
He is the author of two Books, “Built Not Born,” a Wall Street Journal best seller and “The Italian Kid Did It.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dayton Children’s expands pediatric care access in Urbana and Springfield
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.
Dayton Children’s implements temporary visitor restrictions amid high flu and respiratory illness activity
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.
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