Wentworth-Douglass Hospital & Health Foundation

Children’s Center Opens

The new CHaD at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, A Children’s Center for Specialty Medicine, recently opened to meet the special pediatric needs of children in our community.

The CHaD clinic falls with-in the hospital-wide PRISM initiative, a commitment to strengthen the pediatric care available at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. The vision of PRISM is, “to transform and redefine the care of children in an institute where stress is relieved, disabilities are put into perspective, and strengths and opportunities are encouraged to emerge.”

A recent donation from DF Richard Energy has been used to purchase developmentally appropriate toys and activities for children and families, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children and adolescents who visit CHaD at WDH.

Selections have included toys that encourage fine motor skills, imaginative play, and sequencing. The toys and activities will be used to engage children in learning, ease anxiety, and create an environment designed with the unique needs of children and families in mind.

Camp Meridian Focuses on Children with Heart Disease

Camp Meridian, a FREE three day overnight camp for 8-12 year old boys and girls with heart disease is another example of a PRISM program. Its mission is “To provide a challenging adventure of self-discovery for children with heart disease through a series of unique, fun-filled, guided activities allowing the children to realize their own untapped potential.”

Inspired by Pediatric Cardiologist Naomi Gauthier, MD, Camp Meridian, held in October in the Ossipee Mountains, is designed to create a supportive environment where campers achieve goals that could not be met individually, and are challenged to see themselves in a new way, have fun, and forge new friendships. We believe that once they find their own “meridian,” or anchoring line, they can go anywhere, do anything, and reach for the stars.

The Wentworth-Douglass Hospital & Health Foundation recently received an anonymous donation of $20,000 to support Camp Meridian.

WDH Foundation Office (603) 740-2894 www.wdhospital.com/waystogive

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