Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Expands Sensory Care for Pediatric Patients Through New Grant

Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Expands Sensory Care for Pediatric Patients

Miller Children's & Women's Hospital in Long Beach, California, has recently been awarded a generous grant from The Toy Foundation. This funding aims to significantly enhance the hospital's innovative Child Life Sensory Program. The expanded program will focus on providing emotional and sensory support for young patients and their families, ensuring they receive care tailored to their unique needs.

The Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program first launched the Sensory Program in 2024, with initial support from The Toy Foundation. The program is designed to provide specialized therapeutic tools and interventions to help young patients cope with fear, anxiety, and stress during their hospital stays. Through the use of calming techniques and sensory activities, the program plays a crucial role in facilitating a more soothing environment for children undergoing medical procedures.

With the new grant, the hospital plans to expand sensory interventions into three high-need areas: the Nightengales' Infusion Center, the Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Institute, and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Each of these areas frequently sees patients in need of complex and extended treatments, making the incorporation of sensory support essential.

This expansion will not only ensure a more comforting atmosphere but will also enhance the hospital's capacity to respond effectively in emergency situations. In the event of a mass casualty incident, the hospital will be better equipped to deliver immediate emotional care to children affected by trauma, helping to stabilize their emotional well-being during critical moments.

Rita Goshert, director of the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program, emphasized the importance of this grant: “Our pediatric patients are often facing some of the most difficult and traumatic moments of their lives. The support from The Toy Foundation is vital in enabling us to expand our program to address their unique emotional and sensory needs. It helps them feel safer, calmer, and more in control throughout their care.”

The expanded program will feature additional mobile sensory stations, a variety of sensory toys, and interactive equipment to help alleviate stress. Child Life specialists and care teams will utilize these tools to customize interventions according to each patient's developmental stage and personal needs, providing more effective and individualized care.

In addition to expanding its reach, Miller Children's & Women's Hospital is witnessing a rising demand for behavioral health and sensory-informed care. The grant from The Toy Foundation is a significant step toward ensuring that more young patients and their families have access to the specialized support they need.

Rob Gunsalus, president of Memorial Medical Center Foundation, expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with The Toy Foundation: “Their investment lays the groundwork for broader community support as we strive to increase access to this critical care model.”

Miller Children's & Women's Hospital stands as one of only eight free-standing children's hospitals in California. It operates under the nonprofit Medical Care system, treating nearly 26,000 hospitalized children every year. This facility is recognized for comprehensive maternal-fetal medicine care and has received national accolades for its pediatric services. By continuing to innovate and expand its programs, the hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care for its young patients and their families. For more information, visit millerchildrens.org.