New York Methodist Hospital establishes Child Life Program
New York Methodist Hospital (NYM) has established a Child Life Program that provides children with the emotional and psychosocial support that helps them and their families cope with inpatient hospitalizations and visits to the emergency room.
The program is led by Gabrielle Marden, a certified child life specialist who collaborates with the medical team to advocate for the needs of the family. A child life specialist can assess each patient and work to minimize the anxiety and stress caused by illnesses and medical procedures.
“To children, the Child Life Program manifests itself as a warm and friendly face who reads books with them, plays games with them and is there for them during a difficult time,” said Marden. “I’m more than happy to just be known to the children I work with as ‘the one with the toys and the games!’