Ronald McDonald STAR Corner Opens at Boardman Hospital

BOARDMAN, Ohio – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio’s STAR Corner is now open in the waiting area of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley’s new emergency department.

The program offers a fun learning environment for children ages 3 to 6 while their siblings are receiving emergency treatment.

“It can be very stressful for caregivers to try to focus on a child’s medical treatment while caring for their other children,” said Craig Wilson, RMHC NEO’s chief executive officer. “In some cases, it can be a barrier to getting needed care or making the most informed decisions. Ronald McDonald STAR Programs provide support so caregivers can turn their full attention to the patient.” 

RMHC NEO has had STAR (Support, Teaching, Awareness and Resources) Programs in pediatric outpatient treatment centers since 2018, but this is the first one in an emergency department.

“We collaborated with our partners at Akron Children’s Hospital to integrate a STAR Corner into the plans for the new Mahoning Valley emergency department,” said Alisa Powell, director of Hospital-Based Programs for RMHC NEO. “The space is creatively designed, bright and welcoming for children. Our STAR Corner is staffed by caring professionals who facilitate mini lessons on healthy habits. We also share books and activities with older children in the waiting area and resources for families to take home.”

STAR Corner is open from 2 to 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with plans to extend hours based on demand. 

“Feedback from our families and health care providers has been very positive,” said Paul Olivier, vice president of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. “We’re proud to partner with RMHC Northeast Ohio to improve access to quality and convenient care for Mahoning Valley kids.”

Pictured at top: Children are seen at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio’s STAR Corner in Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley’s emergency department. (RMHC NEO)

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.