NORFOLK, Va. –  Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters is partnering with  Unite Us, the enterprise technology company providing the digital infrastructure to power integrated health and social care ecosystems to expand the transformative coordinated care network known as Unite Virginia.

This collaboration strengthens a commitment to create healthier communities and improve the quality of life for Virginians most in need. The Unite Us Platform creates a single space where CHKD can connect patients to local health, human, and community-based organizations to address whole-person care across sectors. 

Research has shown that social determinants of health – the conditions in which people live, work, and learn – have a significant and lasting impact on health outcomes that cannot be addressed by access to health care alone. Together, CHKD and Unite Us will elevate social care to the same level as health care to improve whole-person care across the state. It is important that community organizations partner together to address these aspects of family health. We seek to foster equitable health in our community and address health disparities magnified by the impact of COVID-19 on underserved populations.

“We are extremely happy to partner with Unite Us to provide critical resources to our underserved children and their families,” said Jim Dahling, president and CEO of CHKD. “This partnership will allow us to further support our long-time mission to improve the health of our neighbors in need. Providing these resources as early as possible in children’s lives improves their chances for success.”

Unite Virginia is built in partnership with the Office of the Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources, the Virginia Department of Health, Optima Health, Partnering for a Healthy Virginia, Kaiser Permanente, Virginia Mental Health Access Program, Virginia Department of Social Services, and Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association.

“The collective goal of our partnership with Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters is to effectively increase equitable access to care for Virginia residents regardless of circumstance. Together, these much-needed resources and services will redefine the quality, impact, and intersection of whole-person care across this community,” said Jacqueline Hale, Virginia State Director, Unite Us.

The Unite Us footprint in Virginia began in 2016 in partnership with the United Way of South Hampton Roads.

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CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. In 2019, CHKD broke ground on a 60-bed, 14-story mental health hospital and outpatient center on its campus to address the mental health crisis facing our youth. The new tower being built on CHKD’s campus in Norfolk is scheduled to open in 2022. Learn more at  CHKD.org.

Hampton Roads, VA-- (December 14, 2021)-- Healthcare organizations across Hampton Roads are
encouraging all those eligible to donate blood to their local American Red Cross location. As part of a
collective effort to give back to the American Red Cross this holiday season, Bon Secours, Children’s
Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, Riverside Health System and
Sentara Healthcare are asking everyone to support their local chapter and donate blood.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood due to surgery, illness, or a traumatic injury. The
COVID-19 pandemic has increased this demand nationally, and here at home in Hampton Roads. At
this time, Hampton Roads healthcare organizations are being supplied with a lower amount of blood
supplies this year as the state experiences a reduction in donations by 41 percent this year compared
to last year. Local healthcare leaders are continuing to monitor blood supplies and remain prepared to
care for all patients. With much of the local blood supply coming from the American Red Cross,
lifesaving efforts performed at local healthcare organizations can only happen when residents make
a generous blood donation. Just one donation can save up to three lives and help replenish our local
supplies.

“We can only deliver lifesaving blood to area hospitals with the support of our community,” said
Jonathan McNamara, Communications Director for the American Red Cross Virginia Region. “There is
no substitute for the local blood donors and volunteers who support our blood drives and as we move
through the holiday season, we hope people join us in helping to build a more resilient blood supply.”

All blood donations are performed in a safe and healthy environment. In addition to normal
adherence to sterile practices, Red Cross employees are following COVID-19 safety protocols at
donation centers and blood drives:

● Requiring face masks
● Wiping down donor-touched areas after every collection
● Providing hand sanitizer for use before entering and throughout the donation appointment
● Ensuring temperature checks are conducted on donors before they enter the blood drive or
donation center
● Monitoring social distancing practices between donors including donor beds, waiting and
refreshment areas

The Red Cross hosts blood drives daily throughout our Hampton Roads communities. To support The
American Red Cross and your local healthcare community, please donate blood today. Find your
nearest donation center by entering your zip code at
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.

NORFOLK, Va. –  Bank of America announced today the company is contributing $1 million to CHKD's new mental health hospital, matching its largest-ever donation to the Hampton Roads region.

This recent donation builds on the company’s decades-long relationship with CHKD and recognizes the transformative nature of CHKD’s mental health initiative. The cornerstone of this endeavor is a $224 million, 60-bed mental health facility scheduled to open next year, bringing the expertise of dozens of child and adolescent psychiatric professionals who will make CHKD their home for treating the children of the Hampton Roads region and beyond.

“The new facility at CHKD is going to be transformative for our region, and a big win in terms of access to quality mental health care for children,” said Frank Castellanos, Bank of America President of Hampton Roads. “We’ve supported the efforts of CHKD for four decades. The values they exhibit through the work they do are inspiring, and align with our commitment to the health and safety of vulnerable populations.”

The 14-story mental health hospital is currently under construction on the same campus as the main CHKD hospital and will have private psychiatric rooms with space for parents to spend the night, healing amenities such as music and art rooms, and a rooftop area where hospitalized children can get exercise and fresh air. The new hospital will be the hub of a regional mental health outpatient program, with a continuum of care from early intervention to outpatient care to more intensive treatment.

Bank of America’s support will be recognized in the new building within a space devoted to General Academic Pediatrics, a CHKD primary care practice deeply committed to treating children and families with limited access to health care and other resources. CHKD’s new mental health hospital will feature services such as primary care for children so that coming to the new tower for mental health treatment will be as routine and accepted as accessing routine health care. It is part of CHKD’s goal in Lighting the Way for mental health for children and easing stigma.

“This gift from Bank of America is a testament to the company’s compassion for the children and families in the Hampton Roads region and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said CHKD President and CEO Jim Dahling. “The gift will support some of the most vulnerable members of our community and contribute to advancing the science around treating mental health conditions for children across the country.”

The generosity of this grant recognizes the need for improved access to mental health services in the region and state, along with services that can bridge health disparities throughout the community.

This mental health initiative is unfolding at a time when 20 percent of the nation’s children have a diagnosable mental health condition, and during a pandemic that has fueled anxiety and depression of children because of social isolation, along with illness, death, and job loss among families.

Once it is fully operating, the CHKD mental health hospital will employ more than 400 doctors, nurses, therapists, and other mental health professionals who will treat thousands of children across the state and beyond. In a far-reaching aspect of the initiative, a fellowship training program for child and adolescent psychiatrists also is being developed to train mental health providers. This critical program will improve access to care in Hampton Roads and also help address the extreme shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists across the country. 

About CHKD

CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. In 2019, CHKD broke ground on a 60-bed, 14-story mental health hospital and outpatient center on its campus to address the mental health crisis facing our youth. The new tower being built on CHKD’s campus in Norfolk is scheduled to open in 2022. 

About Bank of America

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer, and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Connect with us on Twitter - @BofA_News.

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – 94.9 The Point’s Radiothon raised more than $220,000 for CHKD during its 20th annual event to benefit the pediatric health system, and the second during a pandemic.

Rather than the usual live broadcast from CHKD’s lobby, The Point’s morning show hosts Mike Powers and Woo Woo aired inspirational interviews with patients and CHKD professionals from the radio station’s Virginia Beach studio to reduce risk of COVID-19 exposure to the children and others.

Since its beginning 20 years ago, 94.9 The Point Radiothon has raised more than $5 million to purchase equipment, fund research, support patient care programs, and expand our mental health program.

Many thanks to this year’s Radiothon sponsors: Geico Philanthropic Foundation, Langley Federal Credit Union, Kroger, STIHL, Ford Dealers’ Association, JPMorgan Chase, Cavalier Ford Greenbrier, The CHAS Foundation, Stephanie Clark Real Estate, Precision Measurements, Freckles Graphics, Jimmy John’s.

The community’s outpouring of support of CHKD through the Radiothon is a testament to your trust in our team of doctors, nurses, social workers, child life specialists, and many others dedicated to providing the best care to children of all ages.

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CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. In 2019, CHKD broke ground on a 60-bed, 14-story mental health hospital and outpatient center on its campus to address the mental health crisis facing our youth. The new tower being built on CHKD’s campus in Norfolk is scheduled to open in 2022. Learn more at  CHKD.org.

SUFFOLK, Va. – CHKD Medical Group is pleased to welcome Dr. Sara Smith to Suffolk Pediatrics in Suffolk, Virginia.

Dr. Smith grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, and earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina.

She completed her master's of health science in reproductive and cancer biology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, and then earned her medical degree at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York.

Dr. Smith did her residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School. She has been working in the emergency department at CHKD as a chief resident since 2020.

Join us in welcoming Dr. Smith to Suffolk Pediatrics and the CHKD Medical Group.

Dr. Sara Smith pictured right.

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CHKD Medical Group is part of the not-for-profit CHKD Health System, which operates Virginia’s only freestanding children’s hospital, along with surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. CHKD Medical Group operates 20 pediatric practices in 31 locations. For more information, click here.

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – Hampton Roads Walmart and Sam’s Club stores raised over $285,000 during this year’s annual campaign to help kids treated at CHKD. Customers and members donated $1 or more at checkout lanes and self-checkouts at Walmart stores or Sam’s Clubs in Hampton Roads in June and July.

The annual campaign for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raised money for children’s hospitals throughout the United States and Canada.

Funds from the local annual campaign support radiology for CHKD kids. This year, the local Walmart and Sam’s Club stores also supported two other CHKD programs, a Child Advocacy Center program that helps children who are victims of child trafficking, and support services for our hematology and oncology patients.

Pediatric healthcare is underfunded across the country, and money raised at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores helps close the gap for pediatric hospitals. All funds raised at Hampton Roads Walmart and Sam’s Club locations directly benefit the kids treated at CHKD.

You can still help make a difference by donating now at HelpKidsLiveHealthy.org.

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About CHKD

CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. In 2019, CHKD broke ground on a 60-bed, 14-story mental health hospital and outpatient center on its campus to address the mental health crisis facing our youth. The new tower being built on CHKD’s campus in Norfolk is scheduled to open in 2022.

About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $7 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support and identify your member hospital at CMNHospitals.org.

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – We’re pleased to welcome Jennifer Moran, PsyD, to CHKD’s mental health program.

She is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in providing therapy and assessment services to children, adolescents, and families. She grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, and came to Virginia Beach for her pre-doctoral internship.

Jennifer Moran’s clinical experience includes diverse treatment settings, such as schools, hospitals, community health centers, and university-based counseling and assessment centers. Her work in school settings has given her experience conducting psychological and psychoeducational assessments, providing behavioral and academic consultation, and helping families understand school-related challenges and services, including the special education process.

Please join us in welcoming psychologist Jennifer Moran.

Jennifer Moran, PsyD, pictured right.

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CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. In 2019, CHKD broke ground on a 60-bed, 14-story mental health hospital and outpatient center on its campus to address the mental health crisis facing our youth. The new tower being built on CHKD’s campus in Norfolk is scheduled to open in 2022.

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – CHKD Medical Group is pleased to welcome Dr. Christina Neeley to Coastal Pediatrics in Elizabeth City, N.C.

Dr. Neeley grew up in South Carolina and attended medical school at Medical University of South Carolina. She completed her residency at Carolinas Medical Center.

Dr. Neeley has been a pediatrician for more than 20 years. The most important and rewarding aspect of her work, Dr. Neeley says, is getting to know her patients and their families and developing a team approach to their healthcare and well-being. Those relationships are the key to helping children and families reach optimal milestones in all areas of their lives.

Join us in welcoming Dr. Neeley to CHKD Medical Group.

Dr. Christina Neeley pictured above.

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CHKD Medical Group is part of the not-for-profit CHKD Health System, which operates Virginia’s only freestanding children’s hospital, along with surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. CHKD Medical Group operates 20 pediatric practices in 31 locations. For more information, click here.

NORFOLK, Va. – We’re pleased to welcome a new pediatric hematologist-oncologist to CHKD, and also a pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor.

Dr. Kevin Todd, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist, completed his medical school and residency training in Hampton Roads at Eastern Virginia Medical School and CHKD.

He returns having completed a fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where he focused his clinical and research efforts on bleeding and clotting disorders in children.

Even before he became a doctor, CHKD had a special place in his heart because his brother was born with trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, and received treatment at CHKD. "I have been inspired as a sibling, parent, and trainee at CHKD, and I’m ecstatic to serve as a partner alongside the tremendous staff that makes CHKD so phenomenal,” says Dr. Todd.

Dr. Kevin Todd pictured right.

Dr. Dana Bartlett Dasher is a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor who received her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Richmond.

She attended Eastern Virginia Medical School and completed her intern year in general surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr. Dasher returned to EVMS for her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Dasher has dedicated her career to the field of pediatric rehabilitation medicine by completing a specialized fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Todd and Dr. Dasher.

Dr. Dana Dasher pictured left.

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CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. In 2019, CHKD broke ground on a 60-bed, 14-story mental health hospital and outpatient center on its campus to address the mental health crisis facing our youth. The new tower being built on CHKD’s campus in Norfolk is scheduled to open in 2022.