Because Kids Need to be Counted

Having "advocacy" as part of our mission demonstrates our commitment to being the voice for children at local, state and national levels when decisions affecting their well-being are made. Because children can't vote, Dayton Children's is committed to making sure legislators and lawmakers know what's best for kids.

As the only independent pediatric hospital and a critical safety net for children in our 20-county region, Dayton Children’s has a responsibility to speak out about the unique needs of children and families. Dayton Children's works with community leaders, organizations and policymakers at all levels to bring attention and response to children's health issues.

We advocate for policies that keep children healthy and safe, ensure their access to high-quality health care, maintain a robust pediatric workforce and cultivate innovation in pediatric research and clinical care.

Through public education, legislative advocacy and grassroots mobilization Dayton Children’s works to improve health outcomes for children.

Our Advocacy Efforts Include:

Working with legislators on behalf of kids through updates in policy, inviting legislators to our unique community rounds program and using our Advocate Speaking for Kids (ASK) network to be a powerful, persuasive voice for children in our community.
Conducting the Regional Pediatric Health Assessment to the identify and focus on the top health issues affecting children in our region.
Advocating for children affected by abuse and neglect through CARE House.

Successes that impact kids

We know our advocacy efforts make a difference.

In 2011, a motivated group of employee, physician and community champions raised their voices on our behalf to preserve child health provisions in the state budget (Sub HB 153). Through letter writing, phone calls and face-to-face conversations, these champions made sure the voices of children were heard at the state level. Their work along with the efforts of Dayton Children’s leadership, ensured that we can continue to care for the children in our region and serve as the region’s critical safety net hospital for the most financially vulnerable.

After years of education and advocacy on behalf of children ages 4 to 8, Dayton Children's is pleased to announce the passage of Ohio’s new booster seat law. Championed by Senator Shannon Jones, House Bill 320 was signed into law on January 6, 2009. Experts at Dayton Children’s knew this legislation was the right thing for kids and worked with other child safety advocates to educate parents, families and legislators about the importance of booster seats through testimony before the state legislature, letter writing campaigns and a booster seat giveaway.