Children have the opportunity to experience joy in the hospital as they heal, thanks to the work of enCourage Kids Foundation, which enhances that experience.
President and CEO, Michele Hall Duncan spoke with Ib Talk Online in an exclusive interview about the effect of the work of her foundation in supporting doctors and nurses whose focus is on the children’s healing.
Duncan said, “Because that is the primary focus of their job, they don’t necessarily have the time to sit and play with the children.”
She added: “Play is the work of kids and it’s how they learn to manipulate and interact with their environment.
“We are coming in and bringing something that is desperately needed that helps them play and connect more to themselves—in the hospital setting—in a joyful way.”
Duncan raised concerns about mental health issues and the high suicide rate among youths.
“Children are experiencing more stress socially than they ever have before,” Duncan said, citing bullying and Internet activities as contributing factors, leading to depression and anxiety experienced by children.
She made a clarion call that “we need to address our children’s mental health issues. It is imperative that we save them from this mental health crisis.”
enCourage Kids Foundation helps humanize healthcare for children and their families by resourcing impact-driven pediatric programs and supporting the child life community.
It envisions a world where every child–regardless of the difficulty of his or her medical journey—experiences joy, hope, resilience, and healing.
Watch the interview with President and CEO, Michele Hall Duncan below.
