When a child faces a serious illness or injury, it takes a village of support to help them recover. This holds true at CHKD Health System in Norfolk, VA, the region’s only freestanding children’s hospital. Along with providing top pediatric specialty care, CHKD collaborates closely with the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Norfolk to give families access to critical resources and comfort when they need it most.
In this article, we’ll explore the impactful relationship between CHKD and RMHC of Norfolk and how their teamwork improves outcomes for families managing significant childhood health challenges.
Overview of CHKD Norfolk
As the site of the area’s sole children’s hospital, CHKD Norfolk serves as the hub for comprehensive pediatric care across 30 specialty areas. Their state-of-the-art West Tower expanded access to vital services like:
- Pediatric Level I trauma center
- Operating rooms equipped with the latest technology
- Expanded cancer and blood disorders treatment
- Advanced imaging capabilities
- Greater intensive care resources
This cutting-edge facility coupled with top pediatric experts allows CHKD to treat everything from routine childhood illnesses to the most complex cases.
The Services of RMHC of Norfolk
RMHC of Norfolk supports families seeking care at CHKD in two key ways:
- Operating the Norfolk Ronald McDonald House® - This “home-away-from-home” offers low-cost lodging near CHKD for families traveling to Norfolk for treatment. Private bedrooms, play areas, and meals provide comfort and community.
- Managing two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms® - Located within CHKD, these spaces give parents and siblings a refuge right in the hospital with private napping rooms, entertainment, and snacks.
By addressing urgent needs like housing and basic provisions, RMHC allows families to focus fully on their child’s recovery.
Powerful Partnership
The symbiotic relationship between CHKD and RMHC Norfolk provides critical wraparound support for local children and families facing medical crises. Some examples of their impactful collaboration include:
- Streamlining Referrals - CHKD social workers and staff easily refer appropriate families to RMHC lodging and resources.
- Offering Healthcare at RMH Sites - CHKD provides on-site medical care, therapists, child life specialists, and more at Ronald McDonald House to minimize patient travel.
- Coordinating Volunteer Efforts - Hospital staff and leadership regularly volunteer time and services at RMHC to benefit families.
- Providing Activity Spaces - CHKD offers outdoor areas, playgrounds, teen hangouts and more for RMH guests to enjoy.
- Spreading Awareness - RMHC and CHKD cooperate frequently to educate the community about pediatric health resources available locally.
- Participating in Joint Fundraising - Shared campaigns and events raise funds to sustain programs at both institutions.
This close coordination ensures seamless access to medical care and support services when young patients need it most.
Impact on Families
For families traveling to Norfolk from across the state and country, the combined offerings of CHKD and RMHC provide vital assistance. Parents can focus on their child’s care knowing they have:
- Convenient, affordable housing steps from CHKD
- Home-cooked meals and stocked kitchens
- Immense stress relief from financial, travel, and lodging burdens
- Supportive staff and volunteers who understand their situation
- Opportunities for siblings to play and participate in fun activities
- Spaces to recharge within the hospital near their child’s bedside
These resources allow families to fully support their sick or injured child emotionally and physically during treatment.
Looking Ahead
The leaders of CHKD and RMHC of Norfolk plan to continue deepening their relationship to better serve children and families facing pediatric illness and trauma. Future initiatives may include:
- Adding more Ronald McDonald Family Room locations within CHKD
- Expanding lodging capacity at the Norfolk Ronald McDonald House
- Offering more on-demand counseling and therapy for families
- Creating new family support groups and community events
- Increasing awareness of available resources through outreach
Their shared mission to care for the region’s children will continue driving innovation.
Supporting Children's Charities in Virginia
When a child is facing a major health crisis, the emotional and financial toll on families can feel crushing. Thankfully, right here in Norfolk, two amazing children charities in Virginia have partnered to uplift families during their most vulnerable moments. The synergistic relationship between CHKD Health System and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk is improving pediatric care access and family support throughout the region.
By leveraging their respective strengths through streamlined referrals, on-site services, collaborative fundraising, and more, CHKD and RMHC are ensuring Norfolk-area children receive top-notch medical care while being surrounded by loved ones. This powerful example of cooperation between children charities in Virginia is filling gaps that single organizations cannot meet alone.
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