Community Provider Corner
(From the March 2026 issue of MedStat)
Lectureship on Measles During ID Conference
Adam Ratner, MD, MPH, director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, will present the hourlong “William J. Barson, MD Lectureship: Lessons Unlearned: The Return of Measles” during this year’s Infectious Diseases Conference on April 10. For more details or how to register, see the full article in this publication or visit NationwideChildrens.cloud-cme.com/ID2026.
Franklin County Domestic Violence Hotline Transition
Effective March 2, 2026, The Center for Family Safety and Healing (TCFSH) will assume operations of the Franklin County 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline, previously managed by LSS CHOICES. This transition is designed to significantly strengthen support for individuals experiencing domestic violence by creating a more coordinated, seamless system of care.
By integrating the hotline with TCFSH’s Intake Department, people in crisis will gain faster, more direct access to comprehensive services, including safety planning, shelter, counseling and advocacy. This consolidation will enhance coordination among community partners and allow for more efficient use of critical emergency resources, ensuring survivors receive the help they need without delay.
The hotline number, (614) 224-HOME (4663), remains the same and continues to operate 24/7. LSS CHOICES will continue providing emergency shelter and crisis services.
Free Tax Help Available for Patient Families
Nationwide Children’s Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative, in partnership with United Way of Central Ohio, is offering free tax filing services to Franklin County residents with a total annual household income under $70,000. Trained volunteers are available at 16 tax clinic sites across Franklin County to help families claim eligible tax credits, maximize refunds and answer tax-related questions. Appointments are open now through April 17. Please direct patient families to 614FileFree.org for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Continuing Education Credits
As we head into spring, it’s the perfect time to grow your professional skills with the Behavioral Health Learning Library, a collection of evidence‑based, on‑demand courses designed for health care professionals. These free modules support a wide range of disciplines, including nursing, social work, psychology, pharmacy and more. Participants can also earn continuing education credits for completing courses, making this a great season to refresh your knowledge and renew your credentials. Start exploring today at NationwideChildrens.org/BH-Learning-Library.
Partners For Kids® Primary Care Webinar
Join Jessica Retzke, MD, from Nationwide Children’s and Alonzo Patterson, III, MD, from Dayton Children’s Hospital for the first Partners For Kids’ quarterly webinar of the year titled, “Primary Approach to Asthma and Addressing Equity Concerns,” held on Monday, March 23, from noon to 1 p.m. CME credit will be available. Register today.
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. Nationwide Children’s has financial assistance programs for those who qualify. Financial support staff are available to help families sign up for Medicaid or to find out if they qualify for financial assistance. For more information or to obtain a copy of our Financial Assistance Policy, contact Patient Accounts at (614) 722-2055 or visit NationwideChildrens.org/Financial-Assistance. For Nationwide Children’s Toledo, contact Patient Accounts at (888) 908-2498 or visit NationwideChildrens.org/Locations/Toledo/Patient-Resources/Financial-Assistance.
FDA Extends Approval for the Nexplanon® Birth Control Implant From 3 to 5 Years
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the approved duration of use for the Nexplanon (etonogestrel) contraceptive implant from three years to five. This update reflects clinical trial data showing the implant remains highly effective through years four and five, with no reported pregnancies during the extended period. The updated labeling also confirms strong effectiveness across a wide range of patient BMIs.
As part of this change, a new Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program has been introduced to support safe insertion and removal of the implant. All Nexplanon-trained providers must register for the updated REMS program to continue placing Nexplanon. Learn more.