700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

4 Ways Social Workers Help Patient Families

Jan 16, 2026
Graphic with a blue and orange diagonal background showing a smartphone displaying a blue butterfly icon and the text “4 Ways Social Workers Help Patient Families.” Above the phone, large white text reads “Nationwide Children’s Hospital YouTube Short.”

Do you know how social workers support patients and families in the hospital?

  1. Social workers are advocates both inside and outside of the hospital. They help patients and families navigate the healthcare system, and access necessary resources and services.
  2. Social workers connect families and patients with resources in the hospital and community. They link patients to community resources, financial assistance, legal aid, and other social services that may be necessary during their hospital stay or following.
  3. Social workers support patients and families adjusting to illness and injury. They provide brief counseling and guidance to patients and family members, helping them cope with illness, hospitalization and care needs. They also support good communication between families and the medical team.
  4. Social workers bridge the gap between health care access, emotional well-being, and practical needs, ensuring that patients and their families receive holistic and meaningful care.

Just ask for a social worker. They’re more than willing to help!

Learn more about
Social Work at Nationwide Children's Hospital

Featured Expert

NCH Blog Author
Callista Dammann
Marketing and Public Relations

Callista Dammann is the social community manager at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She has the unique opportunity of navigating the hospital as both a staff member and a parent after delivering her twin girls, Cami and Madi, at just 25 weeks gestation. Her daughter Madi is a guardian angel for sister Cami, and baby brothers Maddox and Cayson.

Jody Ganschinietz
Jody Ganschinietz
Marketing and Public Relations

Jody Ganschinietz joined Nationwide Children’s Hospital in 2018 and serves as a strategist with the Marketing and Public Relations team. Jody produces content for population health efforts and works in partnership with service lines whose work impacts the health of the community. Jody also produces high-performing Tik Tok videos like the “Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room” series.

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Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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