Erin Howell, PAC Chief, Shriners Children’s Medical Group Advanced Practice Providers | Shriners Hospitals For Children St Louis
Erin Howell, PAC Chief, Shriners Children’s Medical Group Advanced Practice Providers | Shriners Hospitals For Children St Louis
Shriners Children's has long recognized the importance of emotional and social support for patients and their families. To address this need, the organization offers a variety of support groups tailored to different conditions and age ranges. These groups provide a platform for patients and families to connect with peers who understand their experiences.
One such initiative is the Teen Scoliosis Group, originally founded by former patient Claire. The group aims to offer a safe space for teens dealing with scoliosis to share advice and support. Baylee Valentine, MSW, and M. Kelly Dallmann, RN, have since taken over leadership, expanding its inclusivity beyond female participants. "This was something we were excited to restart," they said, emphasizing efforts to make the group more accessible through marketing strategies.
Valentine's personal connection to scoliosis and Dallmann's professional experience inform their understanding of the challenges faced by teens with this condition. "Teens are the most susceptible to peer pressure," they noted. Activities like crafting help facilitate conversation among members.
The Burn Parent Support Group at Shriners Children’s Northern California provides parents of burn victims with much-needed support while addressing language barriers through Spanish translators. Led by Gwen Gamble, LCSW, ACM-SW, the group includes educational components from various specialists. "The goal is to provide parents a place...to focus on providing and receiving support," Gamble explained.
At Shriners Children’s Ohio, Lisa Meister co-chairs the SOARing burn patient support group alongside Lori Boerger. This virtual group connects burn survivors aged 10 and older across geographic boundaries as part of the Phoenix Society's Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery (SOAR) program.
Additionally, Shriners Children's has established an online Patient Alumni Network as part of its centennial celebration in 2022. Led by President Lily, it aims to foster connections between past patients globally while offering mentoring opportunities for current patients.
These initiatives underscore Shriners Children's commitment to comprehensive care that extends beyond medical treatment alone.
Alerts Sign-up