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Children’s of Alabama is crucial to Birmingham for many reasons. It’s the only freestanding pediatric hospital in the state, and it’s one of the largest employers in the Birmingham metro. You might think you know all about it, but there is still a lot that happens behind the scenes.

From how they’re able to provide such attentive care to patients and families to how they stay on the cutting edge of innovation while creating such an inclusive work environment, we got the inside scoop on this, some things to look out for in 2026 and how you can join this team.

Children’s of Alabama 2025 by the numbers

In 2025, Children’s of Alabama:

• Opened 6 additional NICU bassinets, giving the ability to care for 54 neonatal patients
• Added 11 beds to the inpatient Behavioral Health capacity
• Relocated “Children’s on 3rd” to “Children’s at Patriot Park” for outpatient physical/occupational therapies + Hearing & Speech programs

None of this could have happened without the support of Greater Birmingham communities.

“Our community’s support means everything! It allows us to do what we were created to do: provide extraordinary care to every child, every family, every time. It is the lifeblood of our organization.

This is more than just goodwill—it directly enables access, quality, innovation and the ability to care for children and families who need it most. Community support helps cover many of the critical pediatric services that are not fully reimbursed through traditional payment models.”

Andrew Loehr, Senior VP and COO, Children’s of Alabama

3 questions for Children’s of Alabama’s Senior VP

To keep this momentum going and further its mission, Children’s of Alabama has some big plans for 2026. To learn more about what they’ve been planning, we spoke with the hospital’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Loehr.

Since 2014, Loehr has worked hard to translate Children’s of Alabama’s mission into its everyday performance, which gives back to Birmingham and families across Alabama.

Here’s what he had to say.

1. What big plans does Children’s of Alabama have for 2026?

Children’s of Alabama has been redesigning their critical care model and plans to open a new 50-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Expected early 2026, this PICU helps ensure every child who needs care receives it, and receives it well.

“At the core of our goals for 2026 is a simple commitment to families: Children’s of Alabama will remain accessible, prepared and focused on providing the highest level of care for every child who needs us.”

Andrew Loehr, Senior VP and COO, Children’s of Alabama

2. How does this tie into a 5-10 year plan? 

“Our 5- to 10-year vision for Children’s is grounded in the same principle that guides us today: deliver safe, high-quality care.

The work we are doing, whether expanding critical care capacity, strengthening behavioral health services or refining how care is delivered, ensures that we are well-positioned to meet the needs of children not just next year, but for the next decade.”

Andrew Loehr, Senior VP and COO, Children’s of Alabama

3. Why should someone want to work at Children’s?

“Working at Children’s of Alabama is a calling and a chance to make a lasting difference every single day. Our staff works directly to impact the lives of children and families at their most vulnerable moments. This is the purpose you can feel!”

Andrew Loehr, Senior VP and COO, Children’s of Alabama

It takes a village to make sure Children’s continues its mission of delivering top-notch care to Alabama families close to home. The support from the local community and family you can build on the job is just a bonus.

You can be part of this village. Check out job opportunities at Children’s of Alabama and get involved with its mission.

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