Community Provider Corner

(From the October 2025 Issue of Medstat)

SMART for Asthma Resource Available

Partners For Kids® has developed a new resource for primary care providers on the Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART) for Asthma. This new resource includes information on the benefits of SMART, maximum dosages and scripting for providers. The resource has been added to the Asthma Toolkit for Primary Care – where you can find other helpful tools for your practice. Click here to access the resource.

Watch Asthma Updates With Lisa Ulrich, MD

Partners For Kids® August quarterly webinar covered the latest in asthma management, led by Lisa Ulrich, MD. Attendees learned how to accurately diagnose and grade asthma severity, match therapies to patient needs and apply new guidance on the use of as-needed inhaled steroids. The session also highlighted when advanced treatments may be necessary. You can watch the webinar on demand.

Help Make Contraception More Accessible for Teens

If you’re passionate about improving contraceptive access — or currently working on a related project — consider joining the Contraceptive Access Collaborative. This group brings together advocates, clinical leaders, program managers and quality improvement professionals from across Nationwide Children’s to share best practices and brainstorm solutions to expand contraceptive access.

While the overarching goal is to expand access to contraception and comprehensive sexual health information for females ages 15 to 19 in central Ohio, the collaborative acknowledges the importance of affirming the patients’ right to make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures. The group also works to address related issues such as period poverty.

If you're interested in joining a solutions-focused team, join the next meeting on Tuesday, November 11, at noon — either in person at Nationwide Children’s Education Building (ED040) or virtually via Teams. To sign up, reach out to Tricia Montgomery or Ashley Ebersole, MD. Nationwide Children’s team members can visit the ANCHOR page to learn more.

Harvest a Love for Reading

Early literacy is a key part of childhood development, and one simple way to support it is by encouraging families to sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This free program delivers free books directly to children’s homes each month, from birth to age 5. Encourage patient families to sign up and watch their child’s love for reading grow. Visit NationwideChildrens.org/ImaginationLibrary to access the registration page.

Support Early Childhood Mental Health

Health care providers play a vital role in supporting children’s development beyond the clinical setting. The HOPE program is a free, statewide resource that connects early learning professionals with mental health consultants to support children from birth to age 8 — before any challenges can escalate. By calling the HOPE helpline at (844) 678-2227 or submitting an online request, educators can receive expert guidance within 48 hours, which includes classroom observations, professional development and referrals for behavioral health services. Providers can help by sharing this resource with families and community schools and child care centers. Learn more at NationwideChildrens.org/ABCs.

Diabetes Management Education

October 17, 9 a.m. to noon
Education Building – ED025A

This accredited course is designed for health care professionals who care for children with diabetes. Enhance your clinical knowledge and build confidence in delivering safe, evidence-based diabetes management. Topics include:

  • Using glucose meters, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps
  • Responding to hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, including ketone management
  • The role of nutrition, exercise and medication in diabetes management

Cost: $10 per person (includes all materials and instruction)

Accreditation: 2.75 ANCC contact hours for qualified attendees

Register at Nationwide Children's Hospital Continuing Education.

38th Annual Celiac Conference

Saturday, October 18 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Stecker Auditorium - Education Building

This event is ideal for anyone living with celiac disease or gluten intolerance — or for those who support someone who is. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking to deepen your understanding, don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn and empower your gluten-free journey.

Topics include:

  • The latest in research and treatment
  • Practical tips for managing a gluten-free lifestyle

The cost is $45 per person 17 and up. There is no charge for ages 16 and under. Register today.

Living With Epilepsy Conference

Saturday, October 25 | 8 a.m. to noon

Stecker Auditorium - Education Building

Epilepsy Alliance Ohio and Nationwide Children’s have partnered to present a conference for professionals in the field of neurology, as well as for individuals living with epilepsy and their families and friends.

  • Expert Speaker Presentations
  • Breakout and Q&A Sessions
  • Resources
  • Continental breakfast and complimentary parking provided

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.

Down Syndrome Program: Enhancing Care and Expanding Services

The Down Syndrome program will offer a new care model starting in November. All Down Syndrome patient visits will include multispecialty care tailored specifically to the patient’s age. Program enhancements also include a dedicated patient navigator and nurse to help patients and families with scheduling and appointments. The program, led by co-medical directors Patricia Nash, MD, and Murugu Manickam, MD, will offer appointments on Monday and Thursday mornings (previously, appointments were offered only once a month). For more information, contact (614) 722-6160.