Wolfson Children's Hospital

Wolfson Children's Hospital Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Wolfson Children's Hospital, Hospital, 800 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL.
(3228)

As the only full-service children’s hospital in the region, we serve families across North Florida, South Georgia, and beyond—because every child deserves the best care, close to home. At Baptist Health in Jacksonville, FL, our mission is to continue the healing ministry of Christ by providing accessible, quality health care services at a reasonable cost in an atmosphere that fosters respect and compassion.

❤️✨ Early support can make a lasting difference in a child’s development — and that’s exactly what the Early Start Autis...
04/25/2026

❤️✨ Early support can make a lasting difference in a child’s development — and that’s exactly what the Early Start Autism Intervention Program at Wolfson Children's Hospital is designed to do.

This comprehensive program serves children ages 18 months to 4 years who have, or may show signs of, autism spectrum disorder or other forms of neurodivergence. Through a 16-week, evidence-based approach based on the Early Start Denver Model, specially trained speech and occupational therapists work closely with each and their family to build essential skills for communication, social interaction and play.

Using a combination of developmental, behavioral and play-based strategies, the program focuses on helping children strengthen social-emotional connections, language development and everyday interactions — both in therapy sessions and at home. Because when support starts early, it can help open the door to greater confidence, independence and success in the years ahead.

🔗 Learn more about the Early Autism Intervention Program here: https://go.baptistjax.com/4eC9uOM

Even if you can’t see the smoke, your child may still feel it. 🔥💨With wildfire smoke drifting into our area, we’re seein...
04/24/2026

Even if you can’t see the smoke, your child may still feel it. 🔥💨

With wildfire smoke drifting into our area, we’re seeing more kids with sinus congestion, ear discomfort, cough and general irritation. Children can be more sensitive to smoke because their airways are smaller and still developing — so even small amounts of irritation can feel like a lot.

🤧 What you might notice:
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Ear pressure or pain
• Coughing or throat irritation
• Fatigue or fussiness

🧑‍⚕️ Most symptoms are mild and can be managed at home, but here’s when to pay closer attention. Call your pediatrician if:
• Ear pain or sinus pressure continues or worsens
• Symptoms aren’t improving after a few days
• Your child seems more uncomfortable than usual

🚨 Seek emergency care right away if your child has:
• Trouble breathing
• Fast breathing or chest retractions
• A known condition like asthma that is worsening

To help protect your child: keep indoor air as clean as possible, limit time outdoors when air quality is poor and have rescue medications (like inhalers) ready if prescribed.

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We know this can be uncomfortable for little ones — but you’re not alone in navigating it. 💙

If you have concerns about your child’s health, start by calling your pediatrician. If additional care is needed, options like Carespot, Baptist HealthPlace On Demand or our Wolfson Children’s ERs are here to help.

⚕️ Find a Carespot near you: go.baptistjax.com/CareSpot
🤳 Virtual Care with HealthPlace on Demand: go.baptistjax.com/OnDemand
🏥 Find your nearest Wolfson Children's Emergency Room: go.baptistjax.com/WolfsonER

It’s , and we’re shining a spotlight on one of our most dedicated volunteers, Valerie Johns. 💙Valerie was a CNA before ...
04/24/2026

It’s , and we’re shining a spotlight on one of our most dedicated volunteers, Valerie Johns. 💙

Valerie was a CNA before retiring and began volunteering with our Auxiliary in November 2024. She has the enviable job of bringing a cart of donated toys to our — and you can imagine the smiles when they see her coming.

But Valerie doesn’t stop there. She also creates handmade items for our patients, including neck pillows and fidget blankets (she even took a class to learn how to make them). Her work has become something truly special for patients when they need it most.

“There’s nothing like the smile on a patient’s face when you bring them something unexpected,” Valerie says. 🎁

Valerie comes from a close-knit family — her daughter works at Baptist Health Jacksonville and encouraged her to volunteer. They have lunch together every week, sharing stories from their days. While her family is a strong source of support, Valerie has also experienced loss, giving her a unique ability to connect with patients who may not have loved ones nearby.

“I try to make people smile during difficult times and bring some excitement to their rooms when they may not have anyone else to talk to,” she shares.

When asked what volunteering means to her, one word keeps coming up: fulfilling.

“It gives you a sense of purpose — helping people who may not have family. There’s nothing like bringing a smile to their face when you give them something special.”

Valerie may create meaningful items for our patients, but it’s clear she’s something special, too.

Thank you, Valerie, for the impact you’ve made on so many lives. 💙

04/24/2026

What if your neurodivergent child's care team knew exactly what helps them feels safe? 💙

Heather Peltack, Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Wolfson Children's Hospital, explains how a simple questionnaire form can make all the difference for a neurodivergent child's hospital stay. My Fingerprint gives families a voice in their child's care, helping our care team create a more comfortable, personalized hospital experience.

📝 This form gathers key insights to better understand each of our needs, including their likes and dislikes, communication style, sensory sensitivities, coping skills and so much more - all to help reduce anxiety and make their stay as smooth and supportive as possible.

🔗 Learn more about autism and how Wolfson Children's Hospital supports parents of neurodiverse kids: https://go.baptistjax.com/4c3o948

“It healed my heart.” 💙Marie Olsen has been a volunteer at Wolfson Children’s Hospital for ten years, but her story with...
04/23/2026

“It healed my heart.” 💙

Marie Olsen has been a volunteer at Wolfson Children’s Hospital for ten years, but her story with our health system began 14 years ago, when her daughter, Sarah, was treated for acute myeloid leukemia. Sarah spent eight months in Weaver Tower before her passing. During that time, Marie also lost her husband, which is an unimaginable kind of grief.

Marie is an incredibly strong woman and she turned her pain into purpose. She found a new calling through our Auxiliary program by supporting patients, families and caregivers with the same compassion she once received.

“I’m originally from Pennsylvania, but I’ve found my family at Wolfson Children's Hospital between the families we treat, the nurses, doctors and my fellow volunteers,” she says.

Today, Marie serves as Auxiliary President, helping lead and coordinate volunteers to ensure they’re exactly where they’re needed most—always ready to step in and serve. When asked why others should volunteer, she doesn’t hesitate:

“It will change your life. It will bring you more joy than you ever thought possible. It will make you sad in ways you never imagined—but it will also show you how much of a difference you can make.”

Inspired by the care her daughter received, Marie now spends time in the NICU, comforting babies who may not have loved ones by their side. Often, she’s the first to show them warmth, care and connection.

“I don’t know that I’ve made an impact,” she says, “but these babies have healed my heart.”

We’ll say it for you, Marie. You’ve made a difference and then some. 💙

Every interaction, every conversation, every smile has meant something to those who need it most. Thank you for the care and warmth you bring to our patients, families and team members — each and every time you walk through our halls. 💙

04/22/2026

Baby won't stop crying? Take a breath and think PURPLE. 💜

April is , and prolonged infant crying is one of the most common causes of caregiver frustration, which leads to many of the non-accidental traumas our nurses see in the ER. To learn more about the Period of Purple Crying, visit https://go.baptistjax.com/4dzXmNU.

Win the bass boat of your dreams - trailer included! 🚤 🎣🕛 Don’t miss out - entries close at noon on Thursday, May 28, 20...
04/22/2026

Win the bass boat of your dreams - trailer included! 🚤 🎣

🕛 Don’t miss out - entries close at noon on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

🎟️ Purchase tickets or learn more here: go.baptistjax.com/Bass2026

🌈 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Behind every with autism is a unique story, a loving f...
04/22/2026

🌈 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Behind every with autism is a unique story, a loving family and a community of support.

At Wolfson Children’s Hospital, two groups are helping shape a better experience for these patients and families:

🔅 The Adaptive Behavior Collaborative (ABC), pictured here, brings together clinical experts and parents to improve the hospital experience for neurodivergent patients, including those with autism spectrum disorder.

🔅 The Wolfson Children’s Family Advisory Council (FAC) is made up of parents, guardians and caregivers who partner with our team to help shape and improve the patient and family experience.

By bringing together clinical expertise and real-life caregiver perspective, they’re working to make care more inclusive, compassionate and personalized for neurodivergent patients. 🩺

🤝 One example is “My Fingerprint,” a tool made possible by ABC and FAC that gives families a voice in their child’s care. It allows them to share what matters most — from communication preferences to sensory sensitivities — so care teams can better understand and support each child when they are in the hospital. Because no two children with autism are the same, their care shouldn’t be either!

From sensory-friendly spaces to staff training and family-centered collaboration, these efforts are helping reduce anxiety, improve communication and create a more supportive environment for every patient.

💙 We’re so grateful for the families and team members who continue to help us learn, listen and do better every day. Huge thank you to the members of FAC and ABC!

Learn more or download the My Fingerprint form at the link in the comments.

04/22/2026

This is what a moment of distraction can turn into.

It’s not worth it. Not for a text. Not for anything.

We see it far too often — teen drivers, preventable crashes, lives changed in seconds.

From the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department to Life Flight Jacksonville to our Wolfson Children's Hospital trauma team, it takes all of us when the unthinkable happens.

And in the US, more than half of deadly crashes are linked to preventable driver behaviors.

If you have a teen driver — have this conversation today.

📵 Put the phone down
🚗 Stay focused
💙 Protect your life — and everyone on the road with you

💙 Want to hear a story about two health care heroes and their furry friend, Jack? 💙 Both Deb and Mel have extensive expe...
04/21/2026

💙 Want to hear a story about two health care heroes and their furry friend, Jack? 💙

Both Deb and Mel have extensive experience in health care with Deb beginning her work as a candy striper in the 9th grade and Mel serving for years on our Board. It wasn't until they retired and a serendipitous encounter with a curious one-year old and their dog, Jack that they began thinking again about how they could keep giving back.

Mel spotted his granddaughter grabbing Jack somewhat aggressively, but instead of responding in kind, Jack lovingly licked the girl's face. That got the wheels in Mel's brain turning, and after discussing it with Deb, they decided to enroll Jack in the extensive training required to become a Pet Therapy Dog. And oh, what a Pet Therapy Dog he has become!

This is , so we wanted to shine a spotlight on the eight years of volunteering done by Mel, Deb and Jack. Jack is truly a celebrity around our halls — he even has his own trading cards and a reputation amongst our patients as a beacon of "pawsitivity." Deb and Mel both told stories about Jack that we wanted to share with you here:

*There was one instance where a child on a walker refused to take a step until he saw Jack. He then broke into a full sprint to give Jack the cuddles he so desperately craved.

*One patient was a little girl who hadn't spoken or moved much in several days. Jack hopped up on her bed and to the shock of her parents and nurses, the girl sat up and put her arms around Jack.

There have been countless instances when patients have told Deb and Mel that Jack was the highlight of their time in the hospital, and you can see the pride on their faces when they tell the story. Deb and Mel became volunteers because they wanted to continue to give back to the community together, but little did they know that Jack here would become the true attraction. 🐾

And how does Jack feel about all the attention? Well, Deb says that when he notices them putting on their uniforms to go volunteer, he gets very excited because he knows he's going to make our happy. He dances and does tricks to the delight of our patients and provides a bright light during a dark time.

Deb and Mel don't volunteer their time because they have to; they do it because they get to see firsthand what an impact it can make on those in need. If you're considering becoming a volunteer, Deb boils it down to a simple sentence: "You'll get more out of it than you give."

Deb, Mel and Jack have given us so much and we hope that you'll join us in thanking them in the comments! 🎉

04/20/2026

☀️ 🌊 There's nothing better than a sunrise on the water and TWO FULL DAYS of casting lines for our community.

The Wolfson Children's Bass Tournament is more than just fishing - it's about our community coming together to make waves for kids who need it most. Every boat, every cast and every catch helps support lifesaving care at Wolfson Children's Hospital. 🏥 ❤️

Join us Friday, May 15 through Saturday, May 16 to fish for a cause - all proceeds benefit the Terry Heart Institute at Wolfson Children's Hospital, because little hearts need BIG expertise! 🫀 ✨

🐟 Learn more or register here: go.baptistjax.com/Bass2026

04/20/2026

Water safety isn’t just one thing - it’s layers of protection working together to keep kids safe:

💧Active Supervision – Always keep eyes on children in and around water. Stay alert and focused on your children at all times.
🛟 Life Jackets – Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when around open water like ponds, lakes, rivers, and the ocean.
🚪 Barriers & Alarms – Fences with self-latching gates, door alarms, pool alarms & pool covers help prevent unsupervised access.
🏊 Swim Skills – Formal swim lessons can reduce risk, but they don’t replace supervision.
📱 Emergency Preparedness – Learn CPR and keep a phone nearby in case of an emergency.

No single layer is enough on its own - but together, they can save a life. 💙 Visit https://go.baptistjax.com/4tiwB5O for more water safety resources.

Address

800 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL
32207

Telephone

+19042028000

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