The Madeiras wasted no time and took Wile. E. to a 24-hour veterinary hospital. Within an hour of arrival, he was taken into surgery for gastric torsion, a condition that had twisted his stomach so much that it had cut off the blood supply going to his spleen. During the procedure, Wile. E.’s stomach was fixed and his spleen was removed.

“Having the coverage of Nationwide Insurance made those decisions that much easier,” said Eric. “It’s a no-brainer to have the pet protection for any unknown issues.”

Pet protection has come a long way since Nationwide issued the country’s first pet health insurance policy to TV’s “Lassie” 40 years ago.

“Since Nationwide’s founding, we have been committed to protecting what matters most,” said Amy Shore, Chief Customer Officer, “Being able to extend that protection to furry family members is no different.”

Nationwide provides members with options to fit various coverage preferences and budgets through its pet insurance policies. Beyond the traditional benefits, enhancements like Nationwide’s vethelpline provide members with 24/7 access to live advice from veterinary experts through any mobile device.

Additionally, new partnerships can provide added value and convenience for pet members. In January 2021, Nationwide teamed up with Walmart to launch Nationwide Pet Rx Express^SM, which grants members access to affordable pet prescription medications and offers an expedited, in-store claims experience. The program has since been expanded to include Sam’s Club and is now available in nearly 5,300 retail pharmacy locations nationwide.

“Helping families like the Madeiras is why we exist,” said Heidi Sirota, Chief Pet Officer. “Regardless of whether we’re covering an emergency surgery or treating a common condition, we strive to provide effortless, personal and reassuring experiences so the family’s focus can remain on the health of their pet.” 

Utilizing the department’s grain rescue tube and training for such scenarios, volunteer first responders jumped into action as they arrived on scene.

Goodland Fire Department Lieutenant Matthew Breininger spoke with Nationwide to recount the event.

To learn more or get involved in Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety efforts, visit ThinkGrainBinSafety.com.

Representatives from the city of Columbus, community members and project partners gathered on Sept. 27, 2021, for the grand opening of the Linden All People’s Fresh Market. Located at 1464 Cleveland Avenue, the market is the culmination of an effort to transform the former Eagle Market carryout into a community hub for the city’s Linden neighborhood.

“A little more than a year ago, the city and like-minded community partners announced plans for the Linden Fresh Market, and we are proud to announce the opening of this neighborhood site of good will,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.

Located northeast of downtown Columbus, the Linden neighborhood is a historic district that has suffered disinvestment, elevated infant mortality rates and barriers to health care, employment and transportation. According to the One Linden plan, a 2017 study of the neighborhood commissioned by the city, the roughly six-square-mile area had no full-service grocery store, which limited healthy food options for residents reliant on public transportation.

Ginther and the city announced plans for the project in July 2020 after collaborating with Linden neighborhood advocates and leaders, as well as community stakeholders and partners. Partners include Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio, Community Development for All People (CD4AP) and Nationwide.

“Access to healthy food is critical for families to thrive, and we are excited to help improve this access for the Linden neighborhood,” said Rev. John Edgar, executive director, Community Development for All People. “Many Linden residents already shop at our All People’s Fresh Market on the South Side. Bringing the same quality food closer to home will ensure that the new market will help many people eat better foods and live healthier lives.”

Run by CD4AP, the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Fresh Market is built to be a community hub that provides free fresh food and pharmacy services.

“Nationwide Children’s has been a proud member of the Linden community for more than 25 years through our primary care center and school-based programs,” said Tim Robinson, CEO, Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “But we know that health is about more than medical care. The Fresh Market and Charitable Pharmacy are natural next steps for us and our partners to make a different kind of impact, guided by the One Linden Plan and our conversations with the Linden community. We want every child and every family to succeed. When the Linden neighborhood thrives, we all thrive.”

Funding for the market is coming from Nationwide, which has committed a total investment of $1 million to CD4AP for use in the South Linden community, including $450,000 for the market, $75,000 of which is being used for the acquisition and installation of a walk-in cooler and associated equipment. Nationwide will provide the remaining balance over the market’s first five years at $75,000 annually to cover 50 percent of the market’s projected annual operating costs.

“We are excited to partner in what we believe will be a transformative community resource that will make a difference in the day-to-day lives of many Linden families and residents,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “We’re committed to enriching the communities where our employees live and work. This is especially important to us because it’s in our hometown, and it brings to life our belief that all people should have access to meeting basic needs.”

Learn more about Nationwide's commitment to advancing food security in its Corporate Social Responsibility report.

Related News Stories

• WOSU: Linden Residents Welcome Free Market And Pharmacy
• Columbus Dispatch: Charitable pharmacy and fresh food market opens in South Linden
• Ohio News Time: New fresh market, charity pharmacy opens in Linden
• WBNS 10TV: New fresh market, charitable pharmacy opens in Linden neighborhood
• FOX 28 Columbus: Free fresh market and pharmacy open in Linden, providing healthy food options, medications
• WCMH NBC4: New market offering free fresh food for those in need officially opens in Linden
• Columbus Business First: Why Nationwide helped fund the new Linden free fresh market and charitable pharmacy

“There was a storm coming. As it started coming, things got really dark, the wind picked up more so than we’re used to, then we started watching furniture that never moves start bouncing, so my daughter and I moved downstairs,” said Heather Den Adel. “Water started coming in…leaves started plastering against the house — and we don’t have a whole lot of trees for those leaves to come from, so my question was Why is this happening? This is not typical.”

What happened on August 10, 2020, was anything but typical. Across parts of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, a historic derecho storm punished the Midwest with rain and hurricane-strength winds in excess of 90 miles an hour.

What is a derecho again?
According to the National Weather Service, a derecho is a widespread, long-lived windstorm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. If the wind damage swath extends more than 240 miles and includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph or greater along most of its length, then the event may be classified as a derecho.

“I had no idea what a derecho was,” said City State Bank Agent Tyler Andersen, the Den Adel’s insurance agent. “We knew there was going to be some rain and started to see the sky turn black. The wind started to pick up, then we saw a dumpster roll by…you could definitely tell something was out of the ordinary.”

As it became clear the storm damage was going to be significant for the Den Adels, Andersen said he was impressed by the sense of urgency he felt from the company he recommended in Nationwide.

“It makes me feel confident as an agent to place the insurance with Nationwide knowing that these are the types of responses," Andersen said. "It’s very important to clients that, if something happens, they’re going to be made whole again.”

With widespread damage, Nationwide couldn’t quickly find suitable housing nearby. Both Andersen and Jensen knew the family wanted to stay as close as they could to tend to their animals. Thinking outside the box, and with input from the Den Adels, Nationwide offered to remodel a minimally damaged building on the Den Adel’s property — adding two bedrooms, a living room and a laundry room — to make it a comfortable place for the family to stay.

The Den Adels called the solution a win-win, helping them stay on their property and near local schools without slowing down repairs. “I just appreciate the fact that they got creative with a way to make us as comfortable as possible through this process,” said Doug Den Adel.

He went on to say the peace of mind that comes from knowing they were protected was important to him. “I feel really good about the insurance we had and the fact that, if something happens to our home, Nationwide is there to make sure we’re covered,” he said. “They stepped up when we needed them to step up and I feel very comfortable with the whole situation.”

“Nationwide just took care of us,” Heather Den Adel said. They understand the importance of it, it’s not just a house, it’s where you live. It’s where you make memories.”

For more information about protecting your home and property, visit https://www.nationwide.com/personal/insurance/homeowners/

Related Stories

• Derecho, one year later: specialization helps team rebuild in time for harvest (8/17/21)
• Restoring Livelihoods After the August Derecho (9/14/20)
• Iowa Insurance Agents Go the Extra Mile for Customers in Derecho Aftermath (9/2/20)

Left: Avery age 3. Right: Avery age 7.

You’d never know from watching her play, but little Avery Neely has already been declared a medical pioneer at just seven years old.

Born with a life-threatening congenital heart disease called hypoplastic left heart syndrome that causes the left ventricle to be underdeveloped, Neely was just two days old when her doctors transferred her to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, to undergo a clinical trial and the first of a series of complicated surgeries to redirect the blood flow through her heart. For her final surgery she enrolled in a clinical trial considered a major medical milestone for pediatric congenital heart patients, whereby doctors performed the Fontan procedure using a tissue-engineered vascular graft, making Neely one of the first children to have the repair done with vessels made from her own cells.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital has been able to help Neely and thousands of other children from across Ohio and the United States thanks to cutting-edge research and clinical testing in regenerative medicine, genomics, perinatal research, mental health and many other areas, annually providing more than 1.6 million patient visits.

“Each year, Nationwide Children’s provides more than 1.6 million patient visits to children from all 50 states and more than 50 countries worldwide,” said Tim Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Tremendous support, generosity and partnership from Nationwide and the Nationwide Foundation has helped firmly position ourselves as a community treasure and in the top tier of pediatric institutions internationally.”

Established in 2014 to accelerate research and clinical discoveries, The Nationwide Foundation Pediatric Innovation Fund supports research efforts in genomics, heart health, neonatology, injury prevention and behavioral health. Combined with an initial $50 million contribution to the hospital in 2006, and the foundation’s $10 million annual donations to the fund since 2014, total giving to the hospital is $130 million.

With support from the Pediatric Innovation Fund, Nationwide Children’s Hospital has undergone significant expansions in its research and clinical programs since 2014. These include:

• Establishment of the Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine (IGM). Launched in 2016, the IGM is focused on expanding the availability of clinical genetic and genomic testing. This helps providers diagnose conditions earlier, better predict patient outcomes, and personalize treatment. The institute and its doctors and clinicians have ensured over 250 families received clinical genomics testing, providing diagnostic answers in several cases for children with complex and previously undiagnosed conditions.
• The creation of 14 Endowed Research Chairs, including in 2021 the Nationwide Foundation Endowed Chair in Pediatric Transplantation.
• Perinatal research with a focus on the prevention of preterm birth and complications of prematurity including infection, asthma, feeding disorders and neuro-developmental delays, among others. In 2021, funding will help enable the expansion of the program and team.
• On Our Sleeves^®, a mental health and awareness program devoted to improving pediatric mental health. To help break child mental health stigmas, its mission is focused on providing every family in America with access to free, evidenced-based educational resources.
• Support for behavioral health research and the recruitment of nationally known behavioral health researchers focused on mood and anxiety disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The Pediatric Innovation Fund has also helped the hospital expand its community health and economic development initiative, Healthy Neighborhoods, Healthy Families (HNHF), from the south side of Columbus to the city’s Linden neighborhood. The HNHF initiative’s goals are aligned with the One Linden plan developed by city an Linden community leaders and is focused on combatting neighborhood disinvestment and reducing barriers to affordable housing, health care, employment and education. Part of this year’s Innovation Fund gift will help with the creation of single-family affordable housing units in Linden.

“Nationwide’s generosity has enabled us to help so many families, in so many ways,” said Robinson. “The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine helps shape the future of the discipline with their breakthroughs. The Center for Injury Research and Policy regularly appears before legislative bodies to help shape law changes to make children safer. The Center for Perinatal Research, collaborating with Neonatology, provides breakthroughs to more than 3,000 babies a year in one of the largest neonatal centers in the nation. These are just three examples of the many ways that Nationwide has helped improve countless lives.”

Nationwide CEO and Nationwide Foundation Chairman Kirt Walker says the two organizations are committed to an ongoing partnership with the hospital to change the future of medicine for people around the world in the years to come.

“When we work together, we can accomplish truly amazing things,” Walker said. “The Nationwide Foundation is proud to be able to make a difference by partnering with Nationwide Children’s Hospital on solutions for our community and on critically important research that makes an impact and improves the welfare of children and their families.”

For Avery Neely and her family, the research and pioneering clinical procedures available at Nationwide Children’s has been life changing.

“Participating in research means hope. Not just for our family, but for those that follow us,” said Neely’s mother, JoAnne Neely. “We know that research is essential, and we are fortunate to have such an amazing facility right here in Columbus that has a vision of always searching for a better way to help children.”

For this commitment, he’s been named Nationwide’s 2021 Volunteer of the Year.

Robert was a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation before joining Nationwide’s P&C Special Investigation Unit seven years ago. He’s been involved with NOBLE for 26 years and currently serves as a region III vice president for the nonprofit’s chapters in eight states and three countries.

Under his leadership, the Georgia chapter has finished in the top three in member recruitment on multiple occasions and won chapter of the year. Robert not only recruits members; he ensures they remain active in NOBLE’s initiatives. He’s personally trained members to present its “Law and Your Community” course curriculum and has doubled attendance at the annual NOBLE state training conference, which he coordinates, generating more than $70,000 in scholarships to deserving youth.

But it wasn’t until he got fully integrated into the organization that he realized how much it really does, for both youth and the community.

“We’re teaching young people how to engage and interact with law enforcement, often by working side by side in community projects such as feeding the homeless, collecting coats and shoes for the needy, cleaning neighborhoods, building houses and beautification projects,” says Robert, who often volunteers with his 8-year-old son RJ. “It’s one of our hallmark initiatives and part of the member initiation curriculum to help us achieve our mission across the country.”

Robert’s advice for employees unsure of how to give back?

“Look for organizations in your community doing good work that inspires you or see what’s needed and start your own organization to fulfill that need,” he says. “Everyone has a place where they can give back to others. It’s a matter of where your heart leads you.”

In honor of his award, NOBLE will receive a $5,000 grant in his name.

Like many who join the military, Paco Morera felt called to serve his country.

“I’m Cuban American and my parents emigrated from Cuba in the 1960s,” he says. “They instilled in me a sense of pride in our country and a desire to serve.”

That made enlisting in the Ohio Army National Guard an easy choice when Morera was looking for a way to afford college. Now, 31 years later, he’s preparing to retire next year from the U.S. Army Reserve.

Nationwide employs thousands of veterans across the country, and Morera is one of hundreds currently serving in the military.

“We love being able to serve Nationwide and our country at the same time,” Morera says. “But depending on your job in the military, it can also be a big commitment outside of work.”

As a civil affairs officer in a unit based out of Staten Island, New York, Morera will fly or drive from Columbus, Ohio, to Staten Island for the weekend after working all week at Nationwide. He also frequently has conference calls on weekday evenings.

This is on top of potentially many more weeks of training every year and possible year-long deployments. During Morera’s time at Nationwide, he has deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq.

“I’ve worked for Nationwide for nearly 25 years, and it has always been a military-friendly company. They understand what we do and support our service,” he says. “I’ve had great supervisors, leaders and coworkers who have really rallied around me.”

Nationwide offers expanded military leave and pay differential, so its military employees don’t have to worry about taking time off or losing pay for training and deployments. Benefits liaisons are also available to walk military employees through their benefits and prepare them for leave.

Two of Nationwide’s benefits liaisons, Amanda Mershon and Sheri Ferguson, were recently honored with its Mark A. Pizzi Military Inclusion Award. The award annually recognizes Nationwide employees who go above and beyond in areas of hiring, training, developing and retaining National Guard, Reserve and veteran employees. It’s named after Nationwide’s retired president and chief operating officer who was a staunch supporter of Nationwide’s commitment to hiring and retaining military talent.

“In the Army, we’d say Sheri and Amanda are ‘in our foxhole,’” Morera says. “We have a lot of paperwork and other tasks to complete when preparing for leave. They make the process easy for us, and it’s one less thing we need to worry about.”

For veterans and active duty service members, Nationwide also has the Military Associate Resource Group that provides networking opportunities and offers a way to connect with one another through shared experiences. Employees who are transitioning from military to civilian life are paired with a mentor who can provide extra support.

“Nationwide has really taken the lead in their support of veterans and service members,” Morera says. “It’s expanding on its already diverse culture by welcoming more veterans and those currently serving. This means a lot to us because we know not all companies have the same support structure, opportunities and benefits.”

Nationwide is doing its part to support research efforts by donating up to $75,000 to Animal Cancer Foundation on behalf of those who register for the virtual Nationwide Pet Cancer Awareness Walk hosted by WoofTrax, Inc. and Animal Cancer Foundation. Participants may register on the WoofTrax mobile app and take walks at their convenience between November 1 and December 31, 2020. Those walking with their dogs are encouraged to post photos on their favorite social media platforms using the hashtag #CurePetCancer. For details and registration, visit wooftrax.com/curepetcancer.

Over the last ten years, Nationwide has donated more than $400,000 to Animal Cancer Foundation’s mission to find a cure for cancer by funding research in and increasing public awareness of comparative oncology, the study of naturally occurring cancers in pets and people. Funds from this year’s campaign will support the Canine Cancer Genome Project.

In 2019, Nationwide received 106,585 pet insurance claims for cancer diagnosis and treatment for 23,502 pets, making cancer-related conditions one of the most common types of medical claims. Within that year, Nationwide pet insurance members claimed approximately $44 million in medical expenses and treatment for the following top 10 pet cancer-related conditions (in order of prevalence).

1. Skin cancer
2. Lymph node cancer/Lymphoma
3. Spleen cancer
4. Liver cancer
5. Bone or joint cancer
6. Lung cancer or cancer within the chest cavity
7. Bladder cancer
8. Oral cancer
9. Anal gland cancer
10. Metastatic cancer (cancer that spreads to other parts of the body)

Chemotherapy, radiation and other expenses associated with treatment of these conditions often present an unanticipated financial burden to pet parents. Lymphoma is the second most common and second most expensive condition on the list, costing Nationwide members an average of $1,807 per pet. Cancer of the anal sac is the most expensive on the list to treat, costing members an average of $1,914 per pet.

“Cancer can be a frightening diagnosis in pets and people both,” said Dr. Jules Benson, Nationwide’s Chief Veterinary Officer. "But thanks to advancements in diagnostics and treatments, in many cases veterinarians are able to treat or manage the disease, maintaining quality of life. We’re doing our best to keep the good news coming, and to help our members with the costs of getting the care they need for their pets.”

To ensure that Nationwide members receive optimal cancer treatment, medical policies include benefits for the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous conditions, such as exams, metastasis screening, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy.

¹ Animal Cancer Foundation, “Cancer & Your Pet: What You Should Know”

“Each year, grain bin accidents send shockwaves through rural communities. Educating agricultural professionals on the hazards of entering a grain bin, and the safety precautions to take if entry is absolutely necessary, is critical to preventing these unfortunate accidents,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “With the fall harvest underway, it’s important for farmers to keep grain quality and storage top of mind. If they can preserve grain quality, they can eliminate the leading reason for entering a bin in the first place.”

For optimum success in storing grain this winter, Nationwide’s Agribusiness Risk Management experts suggest the following considerations:

1. Complete bin maintenance before harvest - Before harvest begins each season, farmers should inspect their grain storage structures and conduct any maintenance needed. This includes checking for roof leaks, cleaning and removing any spoiled grain, and checking rodent and insect control, aeration systems and unloading systems, stirrators and spreaders.
2. Clean the grain - Clean grain improves future aeration and helps reduce the potential for mold growth, heating and quality loss. To help keep grain clean of debris, monitor combine adjustments and screenings for items like weed seeds, bees’ wings and chaff.
3. Make sure grain is dried - To help ensure grain quality, dry grain to recommended storage moisture levels before placing it into the bin. Prior to harvesting, farmers should make sure to have adequate supplies of dryer fuel.
4. Monitor grain quality regularly - Check binned grain once a week in the fall and when temperatures begin to rise in late winter or early spring. During winter months, grain should be monitored at least every two weeks.

“Our emphasis has always been to encourage a zero-entry mentality unless proper safety measures are followed,” said Liggett. “We need to keep grain bin safety in the hearts and minds of farmers and grain handlers every day of the year.”

If entering a grain bin is absolutely necessary, remember these critical safety tips:

1. Take the time to understand the conditions of the bin being entered. Monitor air quality before and during the bin entry. Additionally, find out how much grain has been removed from the bin to understand if there may be a dangerous air pocket formed underneath the top level of crusted grain.
2. Lockout/tagout the power system of the structure to ensure no one can accidentally turn on the unloading system.
3. Always use a spotter stationed at the outside of the door to call for help, if needed. Under no circumstances should the spotter leave the door or take his or her eyes off the worker inside.
4. Use a body harness. Anyone entering a bin needs to be tied off and wearing a harness.

Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety efforts
Nationwide, the nation’s leading farm and ranch insurer,¹ initiated its year-round Grain Bin Safety advocacy and education program in 2014 to combat accidents and equip fire departments with the proper safety resources needed to respond to entrapments.

Through the Nominate Your Fire Department Contest, Nationwide has awarded life-saving grain rescue tubes and training to 152 fire departments across 29 states. The 2021 Nominate Your Fire Department Contest will open for nominations on January 1, 2021.

For more educational materials or to learn more about Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety advocacy initiative, visit thinkgrainbinsafety.com.

¹ Source: A.M. Best Market Share Report 2019.

Distracted driving poses a serious concern as more than a third (37%) of car trips in 2019 had distracted driving, according to research from Cambridge Mobile Telematics¹ (CMT). Research from Nationwide has found that 66% of consumers believe the leading cause of accidents is distracted driving².

Nationwide’s SmartRide^® mobile app powered by CMT will now show drivers when and where they were driving while distracted by their phones. Nationwide is partnering with CMT to deliver this experience with the goal of making roads safer by informing drivers of their phone distractions while behind the wheel. The distracted driving feedback comes from CMT’s smartphone telematics platform that infers distraction from sensor data, user engagement and behavioral science. 

“Focus groups have shown us that people want to be safer drivers. The goal of providing distracted driving feedback is to inform drivers on the frequency of this behavior and hopefully reduce phone distractions behind the wheel,” said Nationwide’s Teresa Scharn, vice president of personal lines product development. “Nationwide has taken a strong stance on distracted driving and now we’re able to provide real feedback to drivers through our SmartRide mobile app by partnering with CMT.”

SmartRide is Nationwide’s usage-based insurance program that gives personalized feedback to help drivers make safe driving decisions, earning an instant 10% discount at sign-up and the potential to earn up to a 40% discount the safer they drive. The distracted driving feedback will demonstrate ways for drivers to become safer behind the wheel but will not be a factor used in the discount. CMT analysis of billions of miles traveled by millions of drivers indicates that distracted driving feedback and user engagement can be impactful, with the top 30% of drivers on their platform reducing their phone distraction by 39% after 30 days³.

"Our partnership with Nationwide on SmartRide is a key step on our mission to make roads safer by making drivers better," said Hari Balakrishnan, Co-Founder and CTO of CMT. “Our smartphone telematics platform helps drivers understand and reduce their risky and distracted driving practices.  

Nationwide launched its telematics journey in 2011 with SmartRide, and in 2016 SmartRide added its mobile application option. SmartRide is available in 46 states and D.C. In February of 2019, Nationwide launched SmartMiles^®, a true pay-per-mile auto insurance solution to save low-mileage drivers money. SmartMiles is currently available in 32 states and will continue to expand. Earlier this year, Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker announced the company’s advocacy for all fifty states to adopt hands-free, primary enforcement laws to curb distracted driving. States that have adopted these laws have seen a 15 percent decrease in fatalities. Nationwide is also seeking the adoption of model legislation by NCOIL, the National Council of Insurance Legislators, as part of its efforts.

¹ Cambridge Mobile Telematics report “The Harsh Realities of Phone Distraction”

² Nationwide’s Agent Authority survey

³ CMT hosted a Boston Safest Driver Competition, 2019

On This Week in Agribusiness, Central Iowa farmer, Scott Henry, shares his experience after the storm and how his insurance carrier helped provide needed support during a difficult time. The Claims associate who served Henry went above and beyond to help customers affected, driving from California to Iowa to assist.

Nationwide members can file insurance claims by visiting the Claims Center or by calling 1-800-421-3535

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After years of increasingly positive outcomes, a Nationwide Children’s Hospital community health program is expanding into Columbus’ historic Linden neighborhood.

Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families (HNHF), an initiative established in 2008 to combat years of disinvestment in the South Side Columbus neighborhood surrounding the hospital, will be expanding to the roughly six-square mile Linden neighborhood, located northeast of downtown. The goal will be to employ the best practices developed by the HNHF program initiative over the last 12 years in a part of the city that has been suffering from similar disinvestment.

“We’ve been in discussions about expanding Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families since 2019,” said Angela Mingo, Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s community relations director. “What makes this project important today is that there is a convergence of issues impacting communities of color, from COVID-19 to systemic racism, which has reinforced that this is the right time for this initiative.”

For more than 25 years, Nationwide Children’s has provided primary and behavioral health care services to children in the Linden community, but the neighborhood faces problems that include elevated infant mortality rates, increasing levels of crime and barriers to health care, employment and transportation. The work of HNHF in the Linden area will supplement and expand upon the vision of the comprehensive One Linden community plan, a revitalization blueprint developed by the City of Columbus and Linden neighborhood community leaders.

Neighborhood renewal

Working with community partners, Nationwide Children’s has been operating the HNHF program on the South Side of Columbus since 2008. The program began as an outgrowth from a 2007 discussion the hospital held with its South Side neighbors as it planned construction of a new in-patient hospital building. As the hospital invested in its campus, Mingo said the opportunity to extend that investment into the broader area became a priority.

Fast forward 12 years, and more than 380 homes have been impacted through Healthy Homes programming, including through home repair programs, the creation of affordable rental housing and increased homeownership. Violent crime in the neighborhood has decreased, average hourly wages in the area have increased from $10.10 to $18.03, and there has been a doubling in African-American employment. Meanwhile, the rate of emergency department visits from the neighborhood have dropped by 21 percent.

“The tangible investment that you can see near the hospital campus has been transformational for the community,” Mingo said. “We’re seeing the transformation of a corridor that had seen incredible levels of disinvestment.”

The hospital has the ability to expand the HNHF program into Linden in 2020 thanks in part to a financial contribution from the Nationwide Foundation. The charitable arm of the Nationwide companies, the foundation announced a $10 million gift to the Nationwide Foundation Pediatric Innovation Fund at Nationwide Children’s Hospital on July 14. A significant portion of the gift is designated to support the expansion of HNHF.

“We recognize the passion and pride the residents of Linden have for their neighborhood, and we think this program will meaningfully improve the lives of community residents and help to reinvigorate one of our city’s historic neighborhoods,” said Nationwide CEO and Nationwide Foundation Chairman Kirt Walker, in announcing the contribution.

With funding from the Nationwide Foundation, the hospital hopes to apply learnings from its work on the South Side of Columbus to the Linden neighborhood. In 2019 alone, the HNHF initiative led to the hospital hiring 200 South Side residents to work at the hospital. The program also completed eight homes for home ownership, 20 units of affordable rental housing and provided 12 homeowners with repair grants for exterior improvements. Eventually, those are the kinds of results the HNHF initiative aims to help spur in Linden.

Said Mingo, “It’s our hope that in Linden we can plant seeds for improved health and economic development that go well beyond the Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative.”