Valley Children’s Recognized as a National Leader for Community Health Excellence

Published July 9, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – Valley Children’s Healthcare has been selected as one of three national finalists for the 2026 Foster G. McGaw Prize, an honor presented by the American Hospital Association (AHA).

The award includes a $10,000 prize and recognizes health care organizations that improve community health beyond traditional patient care.

“The mission of Valley Children’s is rooted in serving the children of this Valley since we opened in 1952,” said Valley Children’s Healthcare President and CEO Todd Suntrapak. “Our responsibilities to care for kids extend far beyond the walls of our hospital. The needs of our Valley are immense, and we are honored to work to improve the health of our kids with our partners across the region.”

The AHA recognized Valley Children’s for community health programs that address key needs across the Central Valley, including:

Adaptive Sports Program, which offers free, year-round sports and recreational activities for children and young adults with physical disabilities.
The Guilds Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Center provides services for children and families affected by suspected abuse or neglect and coordinates care with law enforcement and community partners.
Central Valley Safe Sleep Coalition, involving nine counties in the Central Valley, aims to promote safe sleep practices and reduce infant deaths caused by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sudden unexplained infant death (SUID).
Epilepsy Family Support Program delivers free support services for children with epilepsy and their families, including help with mental health, school safety and stigma.
Basic Needs: Food Security, a partnership with the Central California Food Bank (CCFB), strives to increase access to healthy food for children and families in need.

“Valley Children’s is committed to improving the conditions in which our kids live, learn and play,” said Lynne Ashbeck, Valley Children’s senior vice president and chief community impact officer.

From left: Marc Boom, chair of the American Hospital Association Board of Directors, and Lynne Ashbeck, Valley Children’s senior vice president and chief community impact officer.

“From neighborhoods and schools to community-based organizations, we work every day to build partnerships, provide resources, deliver diapers, stock school food pantries and more – all based on the needs of each community and all intended to give kids the best chance we can for a healthier future,” she said. “It is both a privilege and a responsibility for us – one that we take very seriously.”

To learn more about the Valley Children’s Guilds Center for Community Health, click here.