LIMA, OHIO (April 23, 2026) – Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center has become the first hospital in the region to be officially recognized as a “Pediatric Ready” Designated Emergency Department through the Ohio Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Pediatric Readiness Facility Recognition Program.
The designation is valid through February 2029 and reflects St. Rita’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, child-centered emergency care. The recognition acknowledges hospitals that demonstrate strong pediatric emergency preparedness, including specialized training, protocols, and care coordination for pediatric patients.
Mercy Health - St. Rita’s Medical Center was formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition at the Ohio EMSC Conference on March 6, 2026.
“Achieving the Pediatric Ready designation is a reflection of the exceptional teamwork and dedication across our entire emergency care team,” said Ronda Lehman, president of Mercy Health - Lima. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to ensuring children in our community receive safe, specialized and high-quality emergency care when they need it most.”
The achievement was made possible through the efforts of Mercy Health - St. Rita’s pediatric emergency care coordinators and clinical teams who continue to strengthen pediatric readiness across the emergency department.
“This milestone belongs to every caregiver who supports our youngest patients and their families,” Lehman added. “We are proud to be prepared and pediatric ready.”
