The Child Life Program at GBMC is an incredible resource that many community hospitals are not able to provide.
Certified Child Life Specialists help normalize the hospital experience for patients and their families by promoting effective coping skills through preparation, education, play, and other types of self-expression. Studies show that children who receive child life services experience less emotional distress and result in lower use of medications and reduced length of hospital stays.
The Child Life Specialists are part of the GBMC's multidisciplinary approach to care, and work closely with the medical team to make sure the child understands why they are in the hospital and help explain any tests or procedures. The team also provides support to families so they can focus on their child.
Child Life is 100% donor based, and your gift on Giving Tuesday could help purchase items like playdough, used for sensory distraction, dolls used to explain procedures to children or even an iPad to use as a distraction during recovery.
Donate here.
