Nationwide Children's Family Health & Safety

Dec 17, 2024

Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families Receives Grant for Home Repairs in Linden and Hilltop Communities

The City of Columbus’ Department of Neighborhoods has awarded $1 million to Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Homes program, a vital part of the hospital’s Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative. The funding will support home repair work in the Linden and Hilltop communities beginning in 2025.

Oct 24, 2024

RSV, COVID-19, Colds and Influenza: What parents need to know this respiratory season

Respiratory viral season is here. Because of common and overlapping symptoms, distinguishing between respiratory illnesses can be confusing for parents and caregivers. Questions about vaccination and the latest guidance about what to do to help prevent spread of respiratory viruses add another layer to the confusion.

Jun 28, 2024

Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the City of Columbus Bringing Comprehensive Injury-Prevention Program to Central Ohio Children

Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the City of Columbus are hosting the Safety City Columbus injury-prevention program for the third straight summer. Safety City Columbus is a free, four-day program for children ages 5 to 7 to learn more about traffic lights and safety, fire prevention safety, stranger awareness, police officers and more.

Jun 13, 2024

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Receives HRSA Grant, Strives to Improve Maternal and Infant Health in Southeast Ohio

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded Nationwide Children’s Hospital a $4.7 million grant for the implementation of the Healthy Start Initiative, striving to improve the health of moms and babies in three Appalachian Ohio counties.

Calls to Poison Centers about High-Powered Magnets Increased by 444% after Ban Lifted
Mar 15, 2021

Calls to Poison Centers about High-Powered Magnets Increased by 444% after Ban Lifted

A recent study led by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy, Emergency Medicine, and the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital along with the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) analyzed calls to U.S. poison centers for magnet exposures in children age 19 years and younger from 2008 through October 2019 to determine the impact of the CPSC rule and the subsequent lift of the ban.

Jun 03, 2019

Despite Safety Standard, Laundry Packet Exposures Increase in Older Children, Adults; Decrease in Young Children

A new study conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Central Ohio Poison Center found a modest decrease in calls for children younger than 6 years of age following adoption of a 2015 product safety standard but an increase in calls for older children and adults.

Mar 20, 2019

The Center for Family Safety and Healing Partners with City of Westerville to Expand Adult Services

Adult Services will also continue to see clients at The Center for Family Safety and Healing’s primary location at 655 E. Livingston Ave. in Columbus.

Lynn Rosenthal Announced as President of The Center For Family Safety and Healing
Mar 05, 2019

Lynn Rosenthal Announced as President of The Center For Family Safety and Healing

The Center for Family Safety and Healing (TCFSH) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital has announced the appointment of Lynn Rosenthal as President, effective March 25.

Jan 21, 2019

Wexner Family Fund Donates $20 Million to The Center for Family Safety and Healing

TCFSH’s mission is to fully address all aspects of family violence, including child abuse and neglect, teen dating abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse.

Bicycle-related Injuries Send 25 Children to Emergency Departments Every Hour
Jun 25, 2018

Bicycle-related Injuries Send 25 Children to Emergency Departments Every Hour

A new study conducted by researchers in the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, published online in Accident Analysis & Prevention, found that from January 2006 through December 2015, more than 2.2 million children age 5-17 years were treated in US hospital emergency departments for bicycle-related injuries. This averages 608 cases per day or 25 every hour.

Jun 20, 2018

Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Proposal for ‘South Side Career Homes’ Selected as a Contract Awardee for Phase 1 of Fannie Mae’s Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge

Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s proposal for “South Side Career Homes” was named as a contract awardee in Phase 1 of Fannie Mae’s Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge (The Challenge).

Jun 09, 2016

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Participating in International Childrens Hospitals Patient Safety Effort That is Saving Lives and Expanding Efforts to Employee/Staff Safety

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is part of a collaborative patient safety effort of 100+ children’s hospitals across North America that is getting results and is expanding the scope of its work to incorporate employee/staff safety.

Apr 08, 2016

New Study Finds Skateboarding Sent About 176 Youth to U.S. EDs Every Day

Skateboarding is a popular recreational sport and participation has increased the last several decades, faster than any other sport or recreation activity between 1998 and 2007.* With growing participation, has come an increasing rate of injuries from skateboarding.

Dec 08, 2015

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Reminds Parents to Stay Alert During the Holidays

The holidays are an exciting and busy time of year as parents race to finish their shopping, decorating and baking. As the countdown of the calendar year winds down, be sure to allow plenty of time in that hectic schedule for sharing holiday traditions as a family.

Jun 08, 2015

National Study Finds Rising Rate of Marijuana Exposure Among Children 5 Years Old and Younger

Debates about legalizing marijuana have focused on crime rates, economic benefits, and health effects among adults. But a study published today from researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital shows that the risk to young children of swallowing, breathing in or otherwise being exposed to

Oct 22, 2014

Study Shows Medication is Frequently, Unintentionally Given Incorrectly to Young Children

According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital researchers, 63,000 children under the age of six experienced out-of-hospital medication errors annually between 2002 and 2012.

Mar 18, 2014

Muscular Dystrophy Parent/Patient Conference at Nationwide Children's Hospital

The third annual Wellstone Center Muscular Dystrophy Parent/Patient Conference presented by The Wellstone Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital will be held Saturday, April 12, 2014, at Nationwide Children’s Education Center, 575 S. 18th Street, Columbus, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Feb 21, 2014

Nationwide Children's Hospital Reminds Parents of Safe Sleep Practices for Baby

In nearly every retail store, display cribs and bassinets are decorated with blankets, pillows and bumper pads. While those soft materials make for an attractive nursery, for a baby, they can make for a dangerous place to sleep.

Jun 06, 2013

Farm Safety Day Camp for Ross County Kids July 2

The Safe Play Areas for Ross County Kids (SPARK) Project in the Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital has teamed up with the Ohio State University Extension Office and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation to host a Farm Safety Day Camp 9 a.m.

May 06, 2013

New Study Says Summer Brings Increase in Gasoline and Other Chemical-Related Injuries in Young Children

Hydrocarbons, a chemical compound commonly found in household items from cleaning products to gasoline, are among the top 10 causes of pediatric poisoning deaths in the United States.

Feb 13, 2013

Nationwide Children's Hospital Announces New Mobile Car Seat App

Car seats save lives and choosing the correct car seat, accompanied by correct installation, are two of the most important things adults can do to keep the children in their lives safe.

Nov 20, 2012

MEDIA ADVISORY: Survey Finds Dangerous and Toxic Toys on Store Shelves

What: News conference to release Ohio PIRG’s 27th annual Trouble in Toyland report and list of dangerous toys. The report highlights that, while product safety reforms have improved the marketplace, there are still dangerous toys on store shelves that pose a safety hazard.

Oct 22, 2012

Poison Centers Save More Than $1.8 Billion Every Year

The Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and America’s 56 other poison centers save Americans more than $1.8 billion every year in medical costs and lost productivity, according to a report released last week by the American Association of Poison Control Centers

Oct 13, 2012

Media Advisory: Nationwide Childrens Hospital Hosts Car Seat Safety Check

WHAT: Nationwide Children’s Hospital Hosts Car Seat Safety Check WHEN: Saturday, October 13, 2012 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. WHERE: Kohl’s 3360 Olentangy River Road, Columbus 43202 WHO/WHY: Car seats save lives and they save children’s lives.

Oct 09, 2012

Seizure and Epilepsy Booklet Useful Resource for Parents of Children with Neurological Problems

In order to help educate families about childhood seizures, experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have developed a resource guide to help answer common questions about seizures and epilepsy in children and adolescents.

Sep 26, 2012

Nationwide Children's Hospital Hosts Car Seat Safety Check October 13

Car seats save lives and they save your children’s lives. Unfortunately, it is estimated that 75 percent of car seats are installed incorrectly. K.I.S.S.

Sep 10, 2012

Nationwide Children's Hospital Develops Prototype for Safer, Child-Resistant Spray Bottle

Researchers at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in partnership with The Ohio State University have developed a prototype for child-resistant spray bottles for household cleaning products.

Jun 22, 2012

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Introduces New Mobile App

With more adults utilizing mobile technology to locate information, Nationwide Children’s Hospital has created a new, easy-to-use mobile app called “myChildren’s” to help consumers navigate and learn more about the hospital.

May 03, 2012

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Introduces Feeding Your Kids Program

The Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, alongside partner, University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, recently launched a new program for parents, “Feeding Your Kids.” Feeding Your Kids, a partner of the Clinton Global

Mar 12, 2012

New Study Examines Stair-Related Injuries Among Children in the United States

A new study by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that from 1999 through 2008, more than 93,000 children younger than 5 years of age were treated in U.S. emergency departments for stair-related injuries.

Feb 14, 2012

MEDIA ADVISORY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington District, Visits Nationwide Childrens Hospital and Promotes Water Safety

On Wednesday, February 15 Rangers from the Scioto Area Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will visit Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio to teach visitors and patients of the hospital about water safety.

Jan 31, 2012

Study: Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents Improves Obesity-related Diseases Within First Two Years

Today, about one in five children in the United States are obese. That means that in just one generation alone the number of obese kids in this country has quadrupled.

Jan 30, 2012

Dr. Jonathan Thackeray Appointed Leadership Roles Supporting Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Childrens Hospital

Jonathan Thackeray, MD, has been named medical director of The Center for Family Safety and Healing and chief of the Division of Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Dr.

Dec 01, 2011

Ohio Healthy Weight Outcomes Coalition Part of Elite Group Participating in National Program

With obesity levels in the United States at all-time highs, healthcare leaders are working together to address local concerns through “Collaborate for Healthy Weight,” a nationwide initiative led by the National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality (NICHQ) and the Health

Nov 18, 2011

The Center for Family Safety and Healing

The Family Violence Coalition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital has a new name. Effective immediately, it will be known as The Center for Family Safety and Healing.

Sep 12, 2011

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Receives Award for Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers in the Workplace

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of the first businesses in the state to be awarded the Healthy Ohio Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Award by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).

Aug 16, 2011

MEDIA ALERT: CareSource Presents "The Best Defense is a Strong Offense" Dominique Wilkins Visits Nationwide Children's Hospital to Educate Families on Diabetes Management

CareSource presents “The Best Defense is a Strong Offense” with NBA Hall of Famer and former player of the Atlanta Hawks, Dominique Wilkins. This event is free and open to the public.

Apr 29, 2011

Merger Creates New Family Violence Coalition

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Board of Directors Chair Abigail Wexner announced today the merger of the Center for Child and Family Advocacy (CCFA) with the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence (CCAFV).

Apr 12, 2011

New National Study Finds Increase in Football-Related Injuries Among Youth

A new study conducted by researchers in the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that an estimated 5.25 million football-related injuries among children and adolescents between 6 and 17 years of age were treated in U.S.

Apr 04, 2011

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Enlists Medical Animatics to Launch Innovative Child Safety Game

Medical Animatics, a 3D animation company, was asked by Ohio based Nationwide Children’s Hospital to provide the technology component expertise for the hospital’s “Play It Safe” innovative educational flash game for youth.

Mar 22, 2011

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Celebrates Quality Improvement Efforts, Patient Safety Results with Ohio Hospitals

An effort to improve quality and make Ohio the safest state in the nation for health care has garnered national attention. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius visited Nationwide Children’s Hospital today to celebrate the achievements of Solutions for Patient Safety,

Mar 08, 2011

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Sports Medicine Provides Recommendations for Return-to-Play After Sustaining a Concussion

The number of kids who participate in youth sports has grown exponentially over the last 10 years, which gives way to the importance of athletic trainers who care for injuries that may occur.

Mar 04, 2011

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Hosts Information Session on Weight Loss Surgery for Adolescents

On Monday, March 28, 2011, Nationwide Children’s Hospital will host a Bariatric Surgery Information Session to discuss weight loss surgery options available for teens to combat obesity. The session begins at 5 p.m.

Jan 06, 2011

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Pilots GetWellNetwork

GetWellNetwork, Inc., today announced that Nationwide Children’s Hospital, ranked one of the best children’s hospitals in the country by U.S. News and World Report, agreed to pilot GetWell Town as its possible bedside solution.

Nov 17, 2010

Nationwide Childrens Hospital, Community Partners Unveil 2010-11 Full Potential Collaborative Childrens Health Report

Today during a Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Columbus Public Health Department and more than a dozen other local organizations came together to, once again, spark a community-wide conversation about the state of pediatric health in Franklin County, and

Sep 20, 2010

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Expands Ounce of Prevention Program to Combat Against Childhood Obesity

The rise in childhood obesity has led to many national initiatives including the first lady’s Let’s Move! campaign and most recently, the launch of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month during the month of September.

Jun 23, 2010

Nationwide Children's Hospital Urgent Care Moves to New Site in Dublin

Effective June 23, 2010, the new Nationwide Children’s Hospital Dublin Close To HomeSM Center on Hospital Drive will open with Urgent Care, ChildLab (laboratory) and Radiology services at 7450 Hospital Drive, in the Medical Office Building of Dublin Methodist Hospital.

May 24, 2010

New National Study Examines Pediatric Mobility Aid-Related Injuries

Children and adolescents with an injury or disability may use mobility aids such as crutches, walkers and wheelchairs to help them move around more easily. However, use of these aids has been associated with risk for injury.

Feb 01, 2010

New Study Finds Fingers Account for Majority of Pediatric Amputations

According to a new study conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, there were more than 950 cases of traumatic amputations among children aged 17 years and younger in the United States in 2003.

Jan 13, 2010

New National Study Finds Table Saw-Related Injuries Have Remained Consistently High

New technology to prevent injuries needs to be available and affordable Woodworking is a popular hobby, with table saws being owned and used by an estimated 6 million to 10 million people in the United States.

Dec 03, 2008

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Reminds Parents to Stay Alert During Holidays

The holidays are an exciting and busy time of year as parents race to finish shopping, decorating and baking. As the number of days left in the calendar year winds down, be sure to allow plenty of time in the hectic schedule for playtime with your child and sharing holiday traditions as a family.

Oct 09, 2008

October Recognized As Fire Prevention Month

Fires in the home can start in an instant and spread in seconds, leaving families with as little as two minutes to escape from a residential fire. However, with smoke alarms, escape plans and good fire safety practices, two minutes is enough time for families to evacuate unharmed.

Oct 08, 2008

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Offers Halloween Safety Tips

On a night known for its mischief, parents should not have to live in fear for the safety of their children. To help ensure little witches and warlocks enjoy a safe Halloween, Nationwide Childrens Hospital offers a few quick safety tips.SAFETY MEASURES Be sure your childs costume is large enough to

Oct 06, 2008

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Snackwise® Program Announces Annual Top 10 Snack List

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Snackwise Program announces its annual top 10 Best Choice snacks found in vending machines and cafeteria a la carte lines across the country. The top 10 snacks* are:1. NutriPals Fruit Bars (Strawberry)2. CLIF Kid Organic Z Bar (Peanut Butter)3.

Mar 21, 2008

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Offers Training for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Nationwide Childrens Hospital is offering an all-day training Saturday, April 26 focused on providing strategies to parents and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum disorders to assist with the education process.Education and Your Child with Autism will consist of topic-specific breakout

Mar 18, 2008

Healthy Lifestyles Weight Management Program Offered for Parents and Children

Nationwide Childrens Hospital and the YMCA of Central Ohio are offering a four-week educational program, Healthy Lifestyles Weight Management. This clinical program, which begins April 1, is designed for children ages 8-12 who struggle with their weight, and for parents who are concerned about

Mar 18, 2008

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Offers Kenpo Personal Defense Program

Nationwide Childrens Hospital is offering a self-defense program Kenpo Personal Defense for children age 12-years or older. This interactive program teaches the basics of personal protection.

Mar 03, 2008

Program Assists Brothers and Sisters of Kids with Autism

Home to one of the largest intensive intervention and diagnostic centers for autism, Nationwide Childrens Hospital has long been recognized as a leader in autism intervention efforts.

Feb 01, 2008

Online Nutrition Calculator Takes Guesswork out of Choosing Healthy Snacks

In an effort to help curb the growing childhood obesity epidemic, Nationwide Childrens Hospital is launching a new online tool aimed at helping parents and kids make healthy snack choices.Nearly 34 percent of kids 2-19 years of age are overweight or obese, and it is estimated that approximately 30

Jan 03, 2008

Sibling Support Program Cares for Brothers and Sisters of Cancer Patients

The physical and emotional strains placed on the family of a childhood cancer patient can be extremely difficult, especially for siblings. That's why one of the nations largest pediatric cancer centers, located at Nationwide Children's Hospital, created the Sibling Support Program.

Dec 17, 2007

Holiday Hazards

The holidays are an exciting and busy time of year as parents race to finish shopping, decorating and baking. As the number of days left in the year winds down, be sure to allow plenty of time in the hectic schedule for playtime with your child and sharing holiday traditions as a family.

Dec 04, 2007

Sugary Diets Blamed for Increase in Tooth Decay among Toddlers

With the holidays upon us and sugary snacks, candies and beverages around every corner, dentists at Nationwide Childrens Hospital, one of the countrys largest hospital-based pediatric dental clinics, are warning parents that high-sugar diets are likely to blame for a spike in cavities among young

Oct 29, 2007

Childhood Apraxia of Speech Cases on the Rise

Speech pathologists at Nationwide Childrens Hospital report an increasing number of patients diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech, a motor speech disorder in which children have difficulty saying basic sounds and words.

Oct 17, 2007

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Offers Halloween Safety Tips

On a night known for its mischief, parents do not have to live in fear. To help ensure little witches and warlocks enjoy a safe Halloween, Nationwide Childrens Hospital offers a few quick safety tips.SAFETY MEASURES Be sure your childs costume is large enough to be worn over warm clothes but isnt

Aug 20, 2007

Central Ohio Poison Center Offers Lead Poisoning Information

In light of the recent national recalls of products containing lead, the Central Ohio Poison Center at Columbus Childrens Hospital offers advice to parents related to the need for testing of lead levels in children.Any child who has eaten or repeatedly sucked on a lead-contaminated object needs a

Apr 24, 2007

Dramatic Increase in Number of Injuries and Deaths Caused by ATVs

Nationally, the number of All-TerrainVehicle (ATV)-related emergency department visits has more than doubled in recent years, from 52,800 in 1997 to 136,100 in 2004. In Ohio there are now more than 10,000 hospital visits each year for ATV-related injuries.

Mar 05, 2007

New Program Introduces Local EMTs to Seriously Ill Patients in Their Communities

With increasing medical advancements in treatment and technology, patients battling life-threatening conditions are living longer and heading home sooner than ever before.

Apr 04, 2005

New One-Stop Concept Helps Child Abuse Victims

The Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Columbus Childrens Hospital provides children who are sexual abuse victims with a special program to prepare them to testify in court.