By: Dr. Susan Mims, CEO, Dogwood Health Trust
When I moved to Asheville nearly 25 years ago to practice public health pediatrics and medicine, I was eager to understand the landscape of children’s health in Western North Carolina (WNC), so I asked around to find out who knew about these issues. The answer from every professional colleague was consistently the same: Dr. Olson Huff. My initial cold call to introduce myself to Dr. Huff was met with his characteristic generosity. He invited me to meet him, which marked the beginning of our mentoring relationship and deep friendship that profoundly influenced both my life and my work.
Dr. Huff’s contributions to children’s health left an indelible mark on all of those who knew him, on WNC and beyond. Olson possessed a visionary spirit, always seeing potential where others might not recognize what is possible, either in a young life or with a program or change in policy. His life’s work centered around the belief that every child deserves love, guidance, support, and access to resources that foster growth and development.
Olson’s dedication was evident in the establishment of a center for the prevention and care of children with developmental health issues and disabilities. This center still serves children and bears his name—the Olson Huff Center for Child Development at Mission Children’s Hospital—a testament to Olson’s foresight and commitment. Mission Children’s Hospital itself is another vision brought to life by Dr. Huff, driven by his understanding of the specialty healthcare needs of WNC. Through his leadership and collaboration, Olson helped raise the funds and support necessary to build the Reuter Children’s Outpatient Center. This center, designed with a child-centered approach, serves as a hub for pediatric specialty care and offers a safe and welcoming environment for children and families. Pediatric subspecialists care for children and their families with co-located support services such as the Family Support Network, nutrition, and various therapies.
When I was making a professional change, I had the incredible opportunity to follow in Olson’s footsteps as his successor at Mission Children’s Hospital following his retirement. Olson served as my guide in his thoughtful and quiet but wise manner as I worked with a fantastic team to grow, not only the inpatient and outpatient care, but also the outreach services that brought care into the community where children live and learn. With Olson’s support and encouragement, I also followed him to become involved with the pediatric professional organizations, the North Carolina Pediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He knew that caring for children was essential but not sufficient to improve their health. “Since children cannot attend meetings or vote,” he said, “We must be their voice.”
Olson’s deep understanding of rural Appalachia, stemming from his own upbringing in Kentucky, informed his voice for children and guided his efforts to build trust with the people he served. His innovative ideas led to impactful programs and policy changes. Notable among these were the mobile Tooth buses providing dental care to underserved rural schools, the Child Healthy Weight Coalition addressing youth obesity, and the nationally recognized Kids in Parks program promoting nature-based activities for children. His advocacy also helped create the Child Health Insurance Program, also known as CHIP, expanding coverage to millions of children across the U.S.
While Olson preferred to keep the spotlight on the children, others noted his efforts, and he was honored with myriad awards in his lifetime. But for me, what stands out about Olson is not only what he accomplished but how he did it. He began by listening and learning from those around him, relentlessly pursuing his goal of improving children’s health and wellbeing. His refusal to accept “no” for an answer and his ability to find or create solutions for needed change were hallmarks of his approach. He dedicated himself to mentoring and inspiring others who shared his passion, leaving a legacy that continues through all those he influenced. I am fortunate to be counted among them.
Now in my work with Dogwood Health Trust, a foundation focused on improving the conditions of health including, safe and secure housing, access to a good education, jobs with income to support the whole family and a healthy ecosystem, I get to use all that Olson taught me. Through taking time to listen and connect and looking for possibilities where they have been overlooked, our team is investing in the future that Olson envisioned.
As we honor Dr. Huff’s legacy, let us remember to see beyond the visible and look for what is possible in each other and in every child for a brighter future. And may we continue to advance the holistic approaches to health he championed for improving the health and wellbeing of Western North Carolina.
