Akron Pediatrician Earns Ohio Community Honor
Dr. Maureen Ahmann of Cleveland Clinic Akron General is recognized for her work improving children's health in the Akron area.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Children’s Health
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Maureen Ahmann, department of pediatrics chair at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, was named the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 Community Pediatrician of the Year. The annual award honors a physician or partner for community commitment to improving the health and safety of Ohio's adolescents.
Why it matters
The honor highlights community-based approaches to child health in Akron, including efforts that extend beyond the clinic to address access to food. Recognition from the state pediatric chapter underscores local work in prevention and family health education.
The award is given annually by the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Ahmann has practiced medicine for more than 20 years. The number of nominees and selection criteria were not disclosed in the available information.
The players
Maureen Ahmann
Ahmann chairs the department of pediatrics at Cleveland Clinic Akron General and serves as medical director of the Stark County Health Department, with more than 20 years in practice.
Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
The state chapter of the national pediatric professional organization that presents an annual award recognizing community pediatric leadership in Ohio.
The details
Ahmann started Akron's Grow with Us Garden outside her clinic, which provides patients and families with free fruits, vegetables and herbs. The garden also serves as a teaching space where families learn to grow food at home.
Timeline
2026: Ahmann named Ohio AAP 2026 Community Pediatrician of the Year
Big Picture
The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics uses its annual Community Pediatrician of the Year award to recognize physicians whose work reaches beyond the exam room. Ahmann's recognition fits that pattern by crediting community health programs, such as the Grow with Us Garden, alongside clinical care.
Families in the Akron area can seek free fresh produce and learn home-growing methods through community programs like the Grow with Us Garden. Parents may also look to local pediatric practices that emphasize nutrition and community health resources.
The takeaway
Community-based efforts such as free produce and hands-on food education can extend pediatric care beyond the clinic. Families interested in similar resources can ask their child's pediatrician about nearby programs.
Further reading
Explore more in Children's Health coverage for Akron readers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Akron Beacon Journal.
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Should doctors in your community do more to help families access healthy food?
