News You Can Use
(From the February 2022 Issue of MedStat)
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Expands Diversity and Health Equity Team
Nationwide Children’s Office of Diversity and Health Equity expanded its team to include two additional physician-leaders, Valencia P. Walker, MD, MPH, FAAP and O.N. Ray Bignall II, MD, FAAP, FASN. They join Olivia Thomas, MD, Chief Diversity and Equity Officer.
In their roles, Dr. Walker and Dr. Bignall will survey and examine the hospital’s current efforts in inclusion and equity, both externally and internally, to determine the next steps needed to advance the best outcomes for children everywhere.
Dr. Valencia P. Walker joined Nationwide Children’s Hospital in 2020 as associate chief diversity and health equity officer. She holds joint positions as associate division chief for health equity and inclusion in the Division of Neonatology and associate professor and vice chair for diversity, equity and inclusion in the Department of Pediatrics.
Dr. Ray Bignall recently accepted the role of assistant chief diversity and health equity officer at Nationwide Children’s. He also serves as director of Kidney Health Advocacy and Community Engagement (KHACE) for the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and as an assistant professor of pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
Since Nationwide Children’s founding more than 120 years ago, the hospital has operated with the understanding that each family, patient, and employee is essential to its success and each individual deserves equitable treatment, opportunity and care. Learn more about the hospital’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, as well as our Stand Against Racism and for Stand for Health Equity pledge online.
Nationwide Children's Patient Financial Assistance Program
Nationwide Children's is committed to offering financial assistance to people who have health care needs and are not able to pay for care. No child will be denied care due to inability to pay for services. We accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid. For all other patients, Nationwide Children’s has financial assistance programs for those who qualify. Financial support staff are available to help families sign up for insurance (including Medicaid) or to find out if they qualify for financial assistance. A copy of the policy is available in your MedStat packet. For more information, contact Patient Accounts at (614) 722-2055 or click here.
Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo Distinction Award
The Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion recently received the 2021 User-Centered Award at the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo. The Symposium Distinction Awards recognizes design teams, projects and individuals who have made a profound contribution to the healthcare design industry.
This is the third recent award for the building. Other awards include:
- 2021 Award for Interior Architecture from AIA Columbus
- 2021 Honor Award – Health Care from IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter (Columbus Interior Design Awards)
“The awards are a result of the hospital’s dedication to providing Best Outcomes in all we do. This spirit reflects the groundbreaking way the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion leads to a better experience for patients, family and staff,” said Ed Cheshire, RA, senior engineering services project manager.