When children visit the Union County Child Health Clinic, they’re greeted not only by our caring nurses and friendly smiles, but also by a large window filled with color, imagination and beloved storybook characters.

That’s thanks to Anna Medlin, a Public Health nurse whose artistic talent has transformed the Child Health clinic’s waiting area into a place of comfort and wonder.

Anna’s murals, featuring "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," "The Rainbow Fish," and her newest creation, "Llama Llama Red Pajama," help bring the joy of reading to life for children and families. Her latest piece, a window mural of the Llama Llama storybook character, is timed perfectly for fall, and she and the team even dressed up as characters from the book for Halloween.

Art has always been part of Anna’s story. As a high school student, she painted one of the pieces that still hangs in the Human Services building today, a sign that that her creativity and care for children have always gone hand in hand.

"Back in 2018, I was a junior in high school. My art class got asked to make paintings for the new health department that was being built. So, I got drawn to do a painting for the new child health clinic," explained Medlin. "I painted a green baby, coming back years down the road, it was super nostalgic to see it again and it made me feel like maybe this is where I was supposed to be."

The large window mural also supports the clinic’s Reach Out & Read program, a national initiative that promotes early literacy by giving families books and reading guidance during well-child visits. Through this program, medical providers give every child a new, age-appropriate book at each well-child visit from birth to age five. Providers also talk with parents about the importance of reading aloud daily, helping them build stronger bonds with their children while supporting healthy brain development.

“Anna’s artwork makes our clinic feel welcoming and joyful,” said Ashley Burts, Nursing Director with Union County Public Health. “The smiles from children’s faces are priceless, and her murals inspire families to read and connect through stories.”

Through her art, compassion and dedication to children’s health, Anna has made a lasting mark, one brushstroke at a time.