Hospitalization can be deeply stressful for young people. Procedures that are routine for adults often trigger fears in youth. Confusion, discomfort and unfamiliar people and surroundings can amplify those feelings and create significant barriers to treatment and healing.

Child life specialists at University of Vermont Children’s Hospital focus on the psychosocial needs of children and families in the health care setting, help empower them with knowledge and equip them with coping strategies so that they may face potential stressors with understanding and confidence. As highly trained child development experts who are integral to the care team, child life specialists utilize research-based play and distraction techniques to normalize pediatric patients’ environments and educate and prepare them and their families for various aspects of medical treatment. They help patients express their feelings. They serve as educators, coaches, cheerleaders, friends and advocates. At UVM Cancer Center, the child life specialist also brings this invaluable service to children of adult cancer patients.

“What I love about my job is that I know I can’t change kids getting sick and needing hospital services, but I can make a difference in that experience,” says Jen Gagne, RN, child life specialist II at UVM Children’s Hospital.

Like many other hospitals, UVM Children’s Hospital’s Child Life program exists largely due to philanthropic support. Gifts to this program have an immediate and lasting impact on children’s wellbeing and health outcomes. Major support has been received from donors such as Child's Play Charity, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Fund, Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation, Epic Systems Corporation and Spirit of Children Foundation.

To learn more supporting vulnerable children and teens through philanthropy, contact development@uvmhealth.org, 802-847-2887.