CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 11, 2026 - Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital has been designated a NORD® Rare Disease Center of Excellence by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®), a national recognition that validates the organization's leadership in delivering coordinated, multidisciplinary care for children with rare diseases.
The designation places Levine Children's Hospital among a national network of approximately 50 leading academic medical centers, research institutions and children's hospitals dedicated to improving diagnosis, advancing research and expanding access to expert rare disease care. For the estimated 30 million Americans living with a rare disease -- approximately half of whom are children -- that expertise can be life-changing. Specifically for children across the Carolinas, this recognition demonstrates significant access to specialized care, research opportunities and support closer to home.
"We're committed to bringing more answers, high-quality care and hope for families facing a rare disease," said Dr. Debra Reiger, director of Atrium Health Rare Diseases. "No family should have to travel hundreds of miles to find the care their child needs. Through this designation, we can continue to deepen our collaboration with leading rare disease experts nationwide and continue expanding what's possible for the children and families we serve right here in the Carolinas."
Approximately 70% of rare diseases begin in childhood, and many affect multiple body systems while also impacting a child's development, learning and quality of life. With Atrium Health Rare Diseases, Levine Children's Hospital helps families navigate that journey by bringing together experts across genetics, developmental-behavioral pediatrics and numerous pediatric specialties to coordinate care around each child's unique needs.
"Many children with rare diseases face medical challenges alongside developmental, behavioral or neurocognitive needs that require expertise from multiple specialists," said Dr. Christine Erdie-Lalena, developmental behavioral pediatrician and associate director of Atrium Health Rare Diseases. "Our model brings those perspectives together so families aren't navigating a fragmented system on their own. By integrating genetics, developmental-behavioral pediatrics and a broad network of pediatric specialists, we're able to care for the whole child and help families move forward with greater clarity, coordination and support."
The NORD designation represents an important step forward in Levine Children's Hospital's efforts to expand access to nationally recognized rare disease expertise while continuing to drive innovation, discovery and coordinated care for patients and families.
Submitted by Kasey Campbell