La Red Health Center has named Dr. Maribel Woodward as its director of pediatrics.

Woodward will oversee three other pediatric providers and a team of nurses assigned to the department at their offices in Milford, Georgetown and Seaford.

Woodward, who is bilingual, has been with La Red for just over six years, serving patients at its Seaford and Georgetown offices. She has been a pediatrician for nearly 20 years, having worked in Dover and Atlanta before coming to La Red in 2019.

She graduated from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras for medical school and received a master’s degree from Goucher College in Baltimore. Woodward did her pediatric residency at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta.

Woodward said she will focus on ways she can help La Red improve efficiencies, cross-train providers and engage in more outreach activities to make pediatric care more accessible to children throughout Southern Delaware. Earlier this year, Woodward and the La Red pediatric team partnered with La Red’s mobile health unit to offer services to students in Sussex County.

“I am very happy to be part of La Red Health Center, and I am so pleased that the organization has offered me this new challenge,” said Woodward.

It is a vital role, as access to pediatric care can affect not just just a child’s health, but also their school readiness and academic performance. A recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics points out that children are increasingly affected by complex and chronic conditions that can affect their ability to learn. Pediatricians are often the first place families turn for help, and they can offer a diagnosis, treatment or referral to specialists.

Woodward said she wants La Red Health Center to help more children receive the care they need that will enable them to be successful in school.

In 2024, La Red Health Center cared for 4,438 pediatric patients, offering immunizations, sick visits, wellness visits, chronic disease management and referrals to specialty care. Woodward is hoping to serve more pediatric patients in the coming year.

At La Red, Woodward plans to take an interdepartmental approach, so families seeking help for their children at La Red receive the care they need, whether through the pediatric department or another department such as dental or behavioral health. She plans to encourage and train other providers at La Red on how best to care for children and teens.

“Dr. Woodward is the perfect choice for this position,” said Rachel Hersh, La Red CEO. “She is passionate, innovative and committed to improving families’ access to quality pediatric care and best outcomes. We are excited for the future of La Red’s pediatric department under Dr. Woodward’s leadership.”

A federally qualified health center in Sussex County, La Red has provided quality healthcare for individuals and families since 2001. La Red is committed to ensuring the highest level of care for all individuals and families. La Red offers primary health care, pediatrics, women’s health services and behavioral health services at its three locations in Milford, Seaford and Georgetown. La Red also offers dental services at its Milford and Georgetown locations.