Meet Gia Bell, a JB Akron parent who is changing healthcare

Monday, October 05, 2020

Gia Bell, second from left

“My life goal is to create more resources for people with Autism,” said Gia Bell.

Bell, who is making a difference in the lives of so many, is well on her way to accomplishing that goal. She has spent nearly fourteen years creating change at The Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital. She is the Health Unit Coordinator at Akron General and, most recently, served as the project leader for Akron General designation as an “autism-friendly” adult hospital.

According to the Autism Society of Greater Akron, “Cleveland Clinic Akron General is the first hospital in Akron, and among the first adult hospitals in the nation, to be designated an ‘Autism Friendly Hospital.’”

Working closely with the Autism Society of Greater Akron, Bell started the project in August of 2017. They developed the resources and support to accommodate autistic patients who are being treated at the hospital. “Awareness is a big part of what we’ve done,” said Bell.

They coordinated and organized more 650 caregivers to be trained at the hospital. She worked with departments at the hospital from security and registration all the way up to the leadership and executive teams. Today, the staff of Akron General has been trained to identify the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder to make for a better experience at the hospital.

Bell’s passion to generate awareness comes from her son, Greysen, who is a second-grade student at JB Akron. When she enrolled her son at Julie Billiart Schools, Bell believed the smaller class sizes and Intervention Specialists would be able to assist him best with his education.

“He has had a lot of progress,” said Bell. Because of Julie Billiart Schools, Greysen has been able to develop his speech and communicate more effectively. “He’s developed the confidence to have friendships and to interact socially not only in school, but in other environments.”

Most importantly, Greysen has been able to do things that people once told Bell he would never be able to do in his life. “He has surpassed all of these things,” she said. Bell will continue to work to increase awareness so that people have more empathy and understanding in the world of autism spectrum disorder.