There’s hope on the horizon for the thousands of Ohio parents raising children with complex behavioral health and developmental disorders. OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems & Excellence), a new specialized managed care program through Ohio Department of Medicaid, will offer care coordination and new services not currently available in Ohio. Another goal of the program […]
Family says counseling, open communication with kids key to strong mental health
For Cohen Pierce, it was triggered by the transition to middle school. For his younger sister Lila, it was most apparent the morning of test days. The “its” in both cases were mental health concerns. Cohen’s depression manifested as changes in his personality. He went from his normal happy-go-lucky self to feeling down and negative […]
9 Ways to help manage your child’s anxiety about returning to school
An Akron Children’s Hospital child psychiatrist said a common misnomer about kids who experience school anxiety is that they don’t like school. “It’s important for parents to know that most children who have school anxiety actually like school!” said Dr. Laura Markley, medical director, Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry. “The fearsome part for many children is being away […]
B.R.A.V.E. officers support staff, patients in violence de-escalation
As both a police officer and the hospital’s very first B.R.A.V.E. (Behavioral Response Against Violence Escalation) officer, Dawn Roberts is used to wearing two hats. Hired by the hospital in 2018, Dawn has specialized crisis intervention training in violence de-escalation – specifically associated with behavioral health patients. “Crisis Intervention Team training, or CIT for short, […]
Holiday spirit on display at Mahoning Valley community events
Using the attendance and energy at two recent Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley events as an indicator, it’s safe to say the community is ready to celebrate the holidays. And basket raffles and Santa appearances aside, supporting the kids was on the minds of attendees and event planners. “I’ve come to this event the last […]
Akron Children’s Behavioral Health program ‘saved my son’s life’
Paige Schantz’s life was picture perfect – married to her childhood sweetheart and mother of 2 healthy boys with a loving home – until one day her world turned upside down. “Everyone came downstairs preparing to head off to school like we always did and found my husband had committed suicide … just like that […]
