Cincinnati Children’s new Center for Child Health Equity named for departing CEO Michael Fisher

Monday, December 06, 2021

Cincinnati Children’s has launched the Michael Fisher Center for Child Health Equity, which recognizes the departing president and CEO’s leadership in the effort to ensure that all of the region’s kids can be the healthiest in the nation.

The new center will anchor Cincinnati Children’s collaboration and partnership with families, community members, schools, social service agencies, businesses, and government to address social factors that influence child health – from education to economic mobility to emotional wellbeing – so that kids and their families can be safe and reach their full potential.

The creation of the Michael Fisher Center for Child Health Equity positions Cincinnati Children’s to enhance such partnerships, said Mark Jahnke, board chair. “We are excited about the promise this venture holds for kids throughout our region and beyond,” Jahnke said.

Because of Fisher’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as his regard for the community, it was fitting to establish the center in his name, Jahnke said.

“This is an honor I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Fisher said. “I love Cincinnati Children’s, I love this community, and I love all kids. I am forever grateful to the enormously talented and passionate employees who are devoting their lives and careers to education, research, clinical care, and working with families and other partners to help every child pursue their potential.”

The launch of the new center was announced at a recent meeting of the Cincinnati Children’s board. Fisher’s last day as president and CEO was Nov. 22. He served 12 years as chief executive, and before that he was a member of the board for five years. Fisher was succeeded as CEO by Steve Davis, MD, who previously was chief operating officer.

Health equity is a fundamental part of the community aspiration of Cincinnati Children’s, which the Fisher Center will support by:

• Making certain that children's health outcomes are both excellent and equitable—eliminating disparities by race and ensuring that a child's ZIP code is no longer a predictor for health outcome.
• Rigorously committing to measurable impact and continuous improvement while serving as a catalyst for new knowledge and innovations.

“Improving the health of all kids and families at the earliest stages is essential to building a foundation for lifelong health,” said Tina Cheng, MD, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s. “With the establishment of the Michael Fisher Center for Child Health Equity, we, as an organization, are reaffirming that this is our highest priority and that we will continue to invest in a more elevated and fully integrated way.”

Added Nerissa Morris, chief human resources and diversity officer for Cincinnati Children’s: “The center will help us build equitable care capabilities among staff through training, consultation and partnerships with research and clinical divisions, diversity and community relations teams, as well as a broad coalition of families and other external stakeholders. It’s going to be a rich and fruitful collaboration.”

Those who wish to honor Michael Fisher and the tremendous impact he has had on children and families as well as our community are invited to join us. Your support will pay tribute to Fisher’s accomplishments and commitment to Greater Cincinnati, while playing a vital role in the establishment of the center. Gifts of every size make a difference. Please contact james.saporito@cchmc.org to learn more or make a gift.