https://www.saintlukeskc.org/locations/crittenton-childrens-center

Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children's Center, 10918 Elm Avenue, Kansas City, MO (2025)

08/16/2025

At Saint Luke’s, we’re proud to provide exceptional maternity care to families across the 816—and even prouder to help welcome the newest little ones into the world. 🍼👶

To celebrate 816 Day, newborns received special 816 onesies—a small gift to mark big beginnings in our community.

From Kansas City and beyond, we’re honored to care for families across the metro. 💙

08/15/2025

Thank you to the Missouri Dept. of Conservation educators who visited with Crittenton residents to teach them all about Missouri’s native snakes. Residents had the opportunity to see snakes up close, ask questions, and learn about the vital role these reptiles play in our ecosystem. 🐍

It was a hands-on experience that sparked curiosity and helped us appreciate the beauty of the world around us!

08/14/2025

Recently, there's been a lot of news about mRNA vaccines, which protect against COVID.

Dr. Sarah Boyd, a Saint Luke's infectious disease physician, appeared on KCUR 89.3 to discuss mRNA vaccines, how they work, and the potential impacts of recent funding cuts for medical research. Listen now: https://heyor.ca/FtiBb4

08/13/2025

Always in our health care era.

Fearless choices you make today mean a healthier forever and always. Begin again with healthy habits and speak now if you don't feel all too well. You belong with us at the intersection of innovation and hope.

08/12/2025

Jaylen thought his future as a football player was over after suffering a serious injury in high school. Thanks to Dr. Larry Frevert at Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists, he is now starting his freshman year of college on a football scholarship!

The summer before his junior year, Jaylen worked hard on his strength and speed to prepare for football season. Then, he was tackled during practice and broke his collarbone.

“It was the most physical pain I’ve ever felt,” said Jaylen. “And then there was the crushing feeling that I would never play football again."

After an initial evaluation at the nearest hospital, Jaylen saw a local orthopedic doctor in Lawrence whose plan was to wait for the injury to heal naturally. Jaylen and his parents wanted a second opinion, and Rockhill was the overwhelming recommendation from friends.

They made the 70-mile drive to Lee’s Summit to see Dr. Larry Frevert, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. He confirmed the injury could heal on its own, but it would take a long time and might leave lasting mobility issues. Instead, he offered a surgical solution that provided faster relief and fewer complications.

“Dr. Frevert wanted to see me make a full recovery,” Jaylen said. “He didn’t want me to go back to playing sports with a lifetime of pain or a potential injury. That gave me a lot of peace of mind.”

Dr. Frevert surgically repaired Jaylen’s collarbone. Eight weeks of physical therapy later, Jaylen was back on the field. He is now preparing for his first season at MoWest.

Read how this young athlete got to keep chasing his dreams pain-free: https://heyor.ca/pKarR4

08/12/2025

Special guest alert! 🐾

Linus the pup and a humane educator from Wayside Waifs recently paid a visit to Crittenton to teach residents all about pet care and responsibilities. Residents learned about dog body language and communication during this informative lesson on what it means to care for a furry friend.

It was a paws-itively great time for all! 🐶

08/11/2025

From birthday parties to college, weddings, and now sharing the same hall at Bishop Spencer Place, Carol and Jean's friendship has stood the test of time—nearly 95 years strong! 💙

In celebration of , Carol and Jean shared their story with KMBC 9. Watch their heartwarming story: https://heyor.ca/GXbYCd

08/08/2025

Crittenton's leadership council recently came together for a retreat focused on collaboration, shared goals, and strategic planning. It was a valuable opportunity to connect, align on priorities, and strengthen our commitment to serving patients and communities.

We are united in purpose and proud of the system we represent. 💙

08/07/2025

The cardiovascular surgery team at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City earned extra praise for their incredible teamwork that saved a patient's life.

The team was preparing to operate on a patient when their blood pressure and heart rate dropped rapidly. Anesthesiologist Dr. Brad Kelsheimer and the cardiovascular surgery team immediately responded and worked together to stabilize the patient's condition to ensure their safety before proceeding with the essential procedure. Thanks to their fast actions and collaboration, the patient was able to go home a week later.

Thank you for your outstanding, patient-focused teamwork! 💙

08/05/2025

Families visiting The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children's Museum of Kansas City were treated to a special cooking demonstration with Grace, a registered dietitian, as part of Saint Luke's "Healthy Plate, Healthy Family" sponsorship. Grace showed them how to use healthy ingredients like sunflower butter, oats, and h**p hearts to make delicious birthday cake energy bites. Look for her next cooking demo at Wonderscope in October!

For adults, Grace teaches healthy recipes in the Food As Medicine Every Day (FAME) program through Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center. The next series begins Aug. 12. Learn more: https://heyor.ca/iyucfk

08/04/2025

BJC Health System has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Women. 🎉

This recognition reflects our continued commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where women can thrive through leadership development, flexibility, and opportunities to grow.

“At BJC Health System, we believe every team member makes a difference in making BJC a premier place to work,” said Jackie Tischler, chief people officer of BJC Health System. “Women make up a little more than 80% of our BJC workforce, and it’s important they feel empowered to utilize their strengths and skills to care for our patients and serve our communities.”

See the full list: https://heyor.ca/EcuSjD

08/01/2025

When a patient's family takes the time to nominate a caregiver, you know they made a lasting impact. That's exactly what happened with Marissa (center), a nursing assistant in the Progressive Care Unit 3 at Saint Luke's South Hospital. We congratulated her by presenting her with the Saint Luke's Be Exceptional Every Day (BEE) Award!

The patient's loved one described Marissa as “an extraordinary empath” who “loves her patients like family” and serves as a supportive counselor. They praised her work ethic, vast knowledge, and deep understanding of what families go through when a loved one is hospitalized.

“Marissa understands the concerns a family has when their loved one is in the hospital. She is superb!”

Congratulations, Marissa, and thank you for being extraordinary! 💙

07/31/2025

Our new four-legged therapist at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute is making an immediate impact on patient care this year. Henli, the facility dog, assists with physical, occupational, and speech therapy in her own special canine way. Patients love her, and she motivates them to work even harder. 🐾 💙

Watch Henli’s TV debut on KSHB 41: https://heyor.ca/0CgSUO

07/30/2025

Motivated by the stories and ideas shared during Community Health Improvement Week, the team at Saint Luke’s Primary Care–Shoal Creek gathered nearly 100 pounds of food during a drive to support Harvesters - The Community Food Network.

Community Health Improvement Week takes place in June and serves to highlight the importance of addressing social drivers of health. Harvesters is one of Saint Luke’s social impact initiative organizations that provides meals to families facing food insecurity across the region.

“Our team was proud to collect 93 pounds of non-perishable food donations,” says Krista, Shoal Creek clinical supervisor. “I admire their dedication to caring for our community both inside and outside the clinic walls.”

From food insecurity and housing challenges to lack of transportation or community support, social drivers of health are barriers that directly affect patient well-being. Saint Luke’s collaborates with trusted organizations like Harvesters to strengthen our social impact and help patients and community members navigate challenges that extend beyond clinical care.

“Through these collaborations, we’re working to empower patients to achieve better outcomes,” says Meredith, Community Health Initiatives program manager. “When we connect patients with food resources, safe housing, or transportation, we’re not just solving short-term problems—we’re building long-term pathways to healthier lives.”

Thank you to the Shoal Creek Primary Care team for supporting our shared mission! 💙

07/29/2025

BJC Health System has received more than 100 recognitions for clinical excellence by U.S. News and World Report, with multiple BJC hospitals ranking among the best in Missouri: Barnes-Jewish Hospital and its physician partners from WashU Medicine Physicians, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, Saint Luke's East Hospital, and Christian Hospital. Pediatric hospital rankings will be released later this fall—in 2024, St. Louis Children's Hospital ranked nationally in 10 pediatric specialties.

We are incredibly proud of our clinical teams and are thankful for their expertise, compassion, and dedication to excellence. We are honored by this recognition and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care to our communities across the Midwest.

See the complete list of BJC Health System honors: https://heyor.ca/hxjOQQ

07/25/2025

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table to connect with Crittenton Children's Center at the Missouri Su***de Prevention Conference! We enjoyed sharing resources and having meaningful conversations with all of you.

We are honored to be part of a community so deeply committed to hope, healing, and prevention. 💙

07/16/2025

Trauma Smart has been busy this spring! We’ve had the privilege of presenting at several conferences, connecting with incredible professionals, and deepening community education around trauma-informed care.

We’re grateful for every opportunity to engage, share, and grow with our communities, because healing and resilience start with understanding.

Trauma Smart aims to help children and the adults that care for them address the negative impact of violence and trauma. Learn more: https://heyor.ca/pExIBY

07/15/2025

Krystin, a radiology supervisor at Saint Luke's South Hospital, donated a total of 60 backpacks to our employee school supply drive, benefitting Crittenton Children's Center! She says she set a personal goal of participating in at least one charitable cause per year, and this year she chose to help kids in need.

"I love giving back to my community," said Krystin. "I reached out to my teacher friends and asked what would have more impact—supplies, or a backpack? They all said backpack."

Krystin's thoughtful gift will help many children in residential and foster care start the school year strong. Thank you, Krystin, for making a difference where it's needed most!

Crittenton Children's Center works to find stable, loving homes for children in need. See a list of year-round needs and donation information now: https://heyor.ca/CubYyK.

06/25/2025

Congratulations to Rich Liekweg, BJC Health System CEO, who announced his plans to retire on October 1, 2025, concluding an extraordinary career spanning almost 40 years in health care, the last 16 of which were devoted to BJC.

“It has been an honor to serve and lead our team members these past 16 years as they deliver exceptional care to our patients and communities,” said Rich. “Together, we successfully navigated through unprecedented times in the industry, never losing sight of our singular purpose to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. I am deeply proud of our caregivers, the culture we have created, and the values we share that place the patient at the center of all we do.”

BJC is pleased to announce that Nick Barto, current BJC Health System President, will succeed Rich as President and CEO of BJC Health System.

“I am honored to be selected to succeed Rich Liekweg as BJC Health System’s President and CEO,” said Nick. “I look forward to working with our 47,000 team members to build on Rich’s vision that grew BJC into a super-regional health care leader, to continue to provide extraordinary care to the communities we serve, and to position BJC as a mission-oriented academic health care leader for all future generations.”

Read more here: https://heyor.ca/j1yUMR

06/20/2025

Families that attended the Wild Kratts show at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts earlier this month. had a memorable time meeting Rhiannon from Crittenton Children's Center.

The kids enjoyed the paper airplanes, art supplies, and pinwheels, while adults discovered more about Crittenton’s foster care and adoption programs. A perfect day filled with fun and learning for everyone!

06/13/2025

A Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium Zoomobile recently made a stop at Saint Luke’s Crittenton Children’s Center!

Residents got to get up close with some amazing animal ambassadors—including sugar gliders, a leopard tortoise, and even hissing Madagascar cockroaches. 🐢🪳

Zoo educators shared fascinating facts about animal care and sparked curiosity about careers and volunteer opportunities at the zoo. A big thank you to the Kansas City Zoo for bringing the learning (and the animals) to us!

05/29/2025

Nicole's passion for behavioral health and her interest in working with families led her to her current role as manager of foster care management at Crittenton.

Nicole says she is motivated and inspired by the positive impact she and her team make in the lives of the families they work with. As a supervisor, she has the unique opportunity to celebrate the wins of both the families they serve and her colleagues.

"The thing I enjoy most about my team is their supportive nature," Nicole said. "I am lucky to work with a group of professionals who go out of their way to help each other and lift each other even in difficult moments." 💙

05/23/2025

We’re honored to share that Crittenton Children’s Center has been named a 2025 United Way Impact 100 organization!

The list includes 100 vital health and human service organizations that United Way and our community consider to be meeting community needs and creating positive changes in our region.

We're thankful to be included with this group of incredible organizations, and are excited to keep making a lasting difference in children's lives.

05/12/2025

Crittenton Children’s Center recently hosted an incredible luau for the children in our residential program! 🌺

The event was filled with island vibes, featuring delicious food, fantastic dancing, limbo games, and even a hula hoop contest. Our employees were just as excited about the theme, making it a day to remember. A good time was had by all!

Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children's Center

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