#United States #Pediatric Care #Columbia #MedStar Health #Hope for Henry

MedStar Health Acquires Hope for Henry Foundation

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the quality of pediatric healthcare, MedStar Health has officially announced the acquisition of the Hope for Henry Foundation, a well-respected nonprofit dedicated to transforming the experience of children undergoing medical treatments. This acquisition marks a pivotal step in integrating Hope for Henry’s evidence-based programs into MedStar Health's clinical framework, thereby improving the quality of life for young patients.

Hope for Henry Foundation, founded in 2003 at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, has been trailblazing in the realm of pediatric care. Its programs have historically shown impressive results, such as reducing the need for sedation during MRI procedures and enhancing overall patient experiences. These outcomes highlight the foundation’s commitment to addressing the mental and emotional hurdles faced by children in medical settings.

The foundation carries the name of Henry Strongin Goldberg, a patient who inspired its creation. Diagnosed with Fanconi anemia in 1995, Henry's journey through medical treatment led to his parents, Laurie Strongin and Allen Goldberg, dedicating their lives to improving pediatric care. After Henry's passing in 2002, their grief propelled them to establish an organization aimed at helping families navigate similar challenges. According to Strongin, this acquisition represents a fulfillment of her promise to Henry, as the organization now expands its ability to support medical care for more children.

Dr. Michael J. Donnelly, the executive director of pediatrics at MedStar Health, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating that it aligns perfectly with their goal to provide holistic care, addressing not just the medical needs, but also considering the emotional wellbeing of young patients. He emphasized that integrating Hope for Henry's programs will allow for a better continuity of care that respects the whole child: body, mind, and spirit.

MedStar Health plans to implement Hope for Henry's programs into everyday clinical practice, aiming for an extensive rollout throughout its pediatric service lines. The integration will follow a phased approach, supported by evidence and data collected by Hope for Henry over the years, ensuring that training and implementation strategies are both efficient and impactful.

Since its establishment, the Hope for Henry Foundation has reached over 10,000 children at MedStar Georgetown and more than 150,000 nationwide. They provide crucial resources to assist families in calming children before dreaded medical procedures, such as vaccinations and blood draws. This holistic approach has set Hope for Henry apart as a pioneer in pediatric healthcare advocacy.

In summary, this acquisition not only underscores MedStar Health's commitment to enhancing pediatric care but also marks an exciting new chapter for the Hope for Henry Foundation. Through this collaboration, both entities are poised to innovate the standard for pediatric health care, ensuring that children feel informed, brave, and in control during their medical journeys. For more information or to support their cause, interested individuals can visit www.hopeforhenry.org.

Together, MedStar Health and the Hope for Henry Foundation embark on a mission to redefine how pediatric care is approached, emphasizing the importance of emotional support in conjunction with medical treatment.