Nicklaus Children's Health System Honored with Inaugural Champion for Children’s Care Award from Joint Commission

Published on: 10/05/2026

Nicklaus Children's Health System is pleased to announce that it has been recognized with the inaugural Champion for Children's Care Award from Joint Commission, an independent, evidence-based standards setting organization that sets the benchmark for safe, high-quality patient care through healthcare accreditation and certification.

The Champion for Children's Care Award honors individuals whose steadfast commitment to children's healthcare has advanced care models, improved patient outcomes, and supported healthcare organizations and providers in delivering safe, high-quality care for the youngest patients we serve.

As the 2026 recipient of the Champion for Children's Care Award, Joint Commission presented the award to Nicklaus Children's Health System for its transformative work as a regional leader in pediatric care.

"We're incredibly honored to receive the inaugural Champion for Children's Care Award from The Joint Commission. This recognition is a reflection of the people across Nicklaus Children's who show up every day with a shared commitment to giving children the very best care and supporting their families along the way," said Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children's Health System. "We're proud of the work our team is doing to continually improve pediatric care, and we're grateful to The Joint Commission for recognizing that commitment."

"Our award honorees exemplify what healthcare can achieve when people and organizations are united by a commitment to excellence, innovation, collaboration, and service of patients," said Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, president and CEO, Joint Commission. "Their contributions have advanced safer, higher-quality care and inspired progress for patients and families across the U.S. and around the world. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and grateful for their ongoing dedication to shaping a stronger healthcare system and a better health future for all. Their accomplishments inspire us to think bigger, strive higher, and accelerate progress across the care continuum."

Nicklaus Children's was recognized during UNIFY™ 2026: Convening for Quality, Joint Commission's flagship healthcare leadership conference that brought together healthcare leaders, clinicians, changemakers, and quality and safety experts to discuss the industry's most pressing challenges.

Learn more about the Champion for Children's Care Award: https://www.jointcommission.org/en-us/about-us/recognizing-excellence/awards