WARREN — Representatives from Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley announced the relocation of their downtown Warren pediatrics office on Mahoning Avenue to the new Warren G. Harding High School Wellness Center during the Good Morning, Warren! event on Tuesday.

They said the move enhances access to pediatric care and expands the hospital’s partnership with the Warren City School District.

Paul Olivier, vice president of Akron Children’s, opened the address by praising the center.

“What a beautiful facility,” he said. “We are delighted to be relocating our primary care office here, but we’ve actually had services in the school for some time already.”

The new office, now named Akron Children’s Pediatrics at Warren G. Harding High School, opened its doors at 860 Elm Road NE on Tuesday. It will provide comprehensive primary care for those up to the age of 21, including well-child checks, sports physicals, immunizations and treatment for injuries and illnesses.

Mercedes Randolph, a certified nurse practitioner and primary care provider, highlighted the office’s capabilities.

“Being part of the Akron Children’s family, our patients also have access to our 24-hour nurse advice line and online virtual visits for those who can’t make it into our facility,” she said.

She noted the current team includes herself and Dr. Hina Fatima, with Dr. Emily Hechold set to join in late July.

The relocation, a 1.2-mile move from the former downtown location on Mahoning Avenue, builds on Akron Children’s existing school-based health centers, which have operated in Warren City Schools since 2016.

Allison Lantz, a school health nurse, highlighted the impact of these centers.

“We provide care to kids who might not otherwise get it, addressing barriers like transportation,” Lantz said.

She highlighted a new asthma treatment program that has improved outcomes for students, allowing them to spend more time in the classroom, and a Youth Advisory Council at the high school to give teens a voice in addressing their peers’ health challenges.

“When you provide health care to the most vulnerable populations, you improve the health outcomes of an entire generation,” Lantz said.

Brian Dinger, vice president of Akron Children’s primary care network, emphasized the strategic importance of the move in a news release.

“Moving our Warren downtown office to the Warren G. Harding campus meets families where they are,” Dinger said. “Our patients and families will enjoy the benefits of our new pediatric office combined with the convenience of on-campus care.”

The new office and school-based health centers will coordinate care for Warren students, offering referrals to Akron Children’s specialists in fields like sports medicine and neurology when needed.

This integrated approach will address both immediate and chronic health needs, such as asthma and diabetes, ensuring students can thrive academically and physically, the news release states.

The clinic also will be open to the public.