Nearly 300 leaders from across Central Florida’s healthcare, education, nonprofit, performing arts, and public policy sectors came together for the third annual Child Health Symposium, hosted by the Ginsburg Institute at Nemours Children’s Health.
This year’s event, themed “Healing Through the Arts,” centered on the connection between health and creative expression, highlighting how collaboration and the arts can promote emotional, physical, and social well-being in children.
Launched in 2023, the annual Child Health Symposium aims to go beyond traditional healthcare discussions by addressing the social and environmental factors that influence children’s health. Over the past three years, the event has continued to grow, with 2025 marking its largest attendance to date—reflecting a strong regional commitment to creating healthier futures for Central Florida’s youth.
A Collective Effort to Support Youth Well-Being
Representing nearly 100 organizations, attendees explored strategies to close gaps in children’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Through expert presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, participants developed community-based approaches to help children and families thrive.
“We know that nurturing the health of the whole child is critically important, and that means looking beyond medicine-based solutions and addressing the other factors that impact children,” Nancy Molello, Executive Director for the Ginsburg Institute at Nemours Children’s Health, said in a press release. “The Child Health Symposium is uniquely designed to create space for some of Central Florida’s most impactful change agents and advocates to fully immerse themselves in a collective focus on the well-being of children. As it grows, we will see the positive effects manifest in the form of programs and interventions that help foster healthy, thriving children across the community.”
Healing Through Art and Expression
The Symposium featured live performances by Opera Orlando, Central Florida Vocal Arts, saxophonist Napoleon Holliday, and spoken word artist Alana Jackson, illustrating how storytelling and creative expression can serve as powerful tools for healing and connection. Attendees also engaged in hands-on art therapy activities designed to demonstrate the benefits of creativity in improving emotional resilience and social bonds among youth.
Recognizing Community Impact
During the event, the REED Charitable Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to literacy and supporting children with dyslexia, was honored with the Ginsburg Institute’s 2025 Community Champion Award. The recognition celebrates organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing child and adolescent well-being through innovative programs and advocacy.
“The Child Health Symposium is a catalyst for community action—uniting leaders, decision-makers, and organizations to better understand the challenges our youth face and identify actionable solutions,” Jen Knopf, President for REED Charitable Foundation said. “By convening so many key stakeholders, the Symposium fosters vital connections among organizations in the community, accelerating collaboration and expanding the impact of those working to improve outcomes for children and families.”