Themed “Healing Through the Arts,” the Symposium highlighted the intersection between health and creative expression, with a focus on collaboration and community-based solutions.
ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2025) – Nearly 300 individuals from the healthcare, community nonprofit, performing arts, education, and public policy sectors gathered to improve overall health and well-being of children in Central Florida during the Ginsburg Institute at Nemours Children’s Health’s third annual Child Health Symposium in Orlando.
Attendees representing nearly 100 different organizations heard impassioned reflections and expert insights from a distinguished lineup of speakers, and worked collectively to develop strategies and solutions to address physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being gaps impacting children across the region. With the theme of “Healing Through the Arts,” the conference allowed attendees to explore ways in which the arts can serve as a powerful conduit for healing, connectivity, and self-expression.
“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,” said Nancy Molello, Executive Director for the Ginsburg Institute at Nemours Children’s Health. “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.”
The Symposium featured a number of interactive art therapy activities and panel discussions. Live performances by Opera Orlando, Central Florida Vocal Arts, saxophonist Napoleon Holliday and spoken word artist Alana Jackson put powerful storytelling through artful expression on full display.
In addition, the REED Charitable Foundation, a local nonprofit working to increase literacy and empower children with dyslexia, received the Ginsburg Institute’s 2025 Community Champion Award. The award recognizes organizations for their commitment to advancing child and adolescent well-being through impactful programs.
“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,” said Jen Knopf, President for REED Charitable Foundation. “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.”
Established in 2023, the Child Health Symposium promotes collaboration and solutions that go beyond medical interventions to help the community better navigate social drivers that impact the lives of children. In its third year, the Symposium has grown in attendance annually since the inaugural event, with the 2025 Symposium drawing its largest group of attendees yet.
Provided by Nemours Children’s Health