Panda Pediatrics

05/31/2026

For more than a decade, you’ve voted Panda Pediatrics #1 Pediatric Care Clinic in Best of Lawrence. That kind of support means more to us than we can say.

Thank you for trusting us to care for your children. It's truly a privilege for us to be part of every stage of their childhood and to watch them grow up.

If we've been part of your family’s story, we’d be honored to have your vote again this year.

🗳️ Voting is open May 31 – June 7
🔗 Vote daily here: http://bit.ly/3RusDZN

Thank you for allowing us to grow alongside your family. 🧡

05/23/2026

Whatever your weekend plans look like, we hope you get time to make memories with the people who matter most.

In observance of Memorial Day, our clinic will be closed Monday, May 25.

05/22/2026

Wow! Great photos from DCCCA of our team at the Leading Causes of Life 5K. Recognize any familiar faces here?

05/21/2026

Megan is a pediatric healthcare provider. But first, she is a mom.

Megan Hottman, APRN, CPNP-PC, talks about how being a mother herself helps give her a better perspective when supporting parents with their child's healthcare (and parenting) questions.

05/20/2026

Lawrence Public Schools is offering free summer meal opportunities for children throughout our community this summer.

Additional details, schedules, and meal kit registration information can be found here:
https://www.usd497.org/about-us/departments/nutrition-and-wellness/food-service/summer-meals

05/18/2026

🗣️ Let's talk about Kids & Social Media 📱
Brianna Johnson, a licensed clinical professional counselor and child and family therapist at Heartland & Panda, told LMH Health that exposure to social media at a younger age is having a negative impact.

“I’m seeing kids in elementary school that have phones, and they’ve got access to YouTube and they’re on Facebook Messenger and Instagram,” she said. “The effects aren’t great, and that really impacts them in middle school – especially when it comes to online bullying.”

Johnson explained that these developmental years are already difficult, as kids are trying to figure out who they are. Throw social media into the mix, and it just gets harder.

“Kids don’t have to be face-to-face with someone online, so they can say whatever they want in that space,” she said. “It can be hugely detrimental to a child’s mental health.”

Roblox and Discord raise increased concerns for Johnson. Unlike mainstream platforms such as Instagram or Facebook, which have at least some content moderation tools in place, Roblox and Discord have historically had less robust safeguards, making it easier for harmful interactions to go undetected. She’s seen an increase in bullying and in suicidal behaviors from kids who are active on those platforms.

Read about what LMH Health, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and Heartland Community Health Center had to say about this growing problem:

Excessive social media use can fuel anxiety, depression, addiction and bullying, especially in teens. Learn warning signs and healthy screen habits.

05/15/2026

As a parent, what do you look for in a pediatric provider?
👨🏻‍⚕️Dr. Jepson says it's a great privilege to serve the children and caregivers of our community every day.
👩🏽‍⚕️Caressa is living her dream of caring for children at Panda Pediatrics. She cares deeply about building lifelong, trusting relationships with families.
🧑🏼‍⚕️Payton is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care to patients of all ages, while providing support for the whole family.
👩🏻‍⚕️Megan says as a mom to two girls, she understands what parents are going through. She is here to support your family in every part of your child’s well-being.

05/10/2026

We are so grateful for the incredible moms who walk through our doors every day. Thank you for the love, comfort, patience, and guidance you give your children through every stage of life.

We are also lucky to have some amazing moms on our team at Panda. Including this one (who you may recognize). 🧡

Happy Mother's Day!

05/08/2026

Parents it's not just sugar that's causing tooth decay in kids. There is another hidden culprit found in drinks that are commonly marketed to kids as healthy alternatives to soda.

Hear from Leticia, a dental provider at Panda Pediatrics, on what we should be giving our kids to hydrate every day.

05/08/2026

Half of all lifetime mental health challenges start in childhood. So, why is treatment is often delayed until adulthood?

What teens are saying
Among teens who felt they needed mental health treatment but didn’t receive it, 81% said the same thing:

🥺 They thought they should be able to handle difficult emotions on their own.

No child or teen should feel like they have to carry everything alone.

When the adults around them openly talk about feelings, children learn that asking for help is not something to be ashamed of.

If you think your child is struggling with their mental health, don't wait. Start the conversation. And if you're unsure what resources are available, call us and ask for a behavioral health care coordinator.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently reported that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing children and teens from seeking mental health support. Let's work to change this.