‘Play’ Proves a Useful Tool for Kids in the Hospital

‘Play’ Proves a Useful Tool for Kids in the Hospital

Two Northern California medical centers say that incorporating a bit fun into a child’s hospital visit can help minimize their emotional trauma and improve the hospital experience for the entire family. “As child life specialists, play is what we do,” says Lori...
Gratitude Abounds for Front-line Emergency Nurse

Gratitude Abounds for Front-line Emergency Nurse

As we observe Thanksgiving and share stories of gratitude, we feature a piece about Pam Blankenship, R.N., an emergency room nurse at Sutter Davis Hospital in Davis, Calif. and the impact she recently made on one patient. Sitting in a hospital emergency department is...
Surgeon Aims to Keep Care Close to Home for Rural Patients

Surgeon Aims to Keep Care Close to Home for Rural Patients

Living in a rural community, many miles from a major metropolitan area, has its advantages. But, when you need surgery, the last thing you want to do is take a road trip. Many rural, community hospitals have physicians that are trained in the surgeries that are often...
For Food Banks, Need Is Always in Season

For Food Banks, Need Is Always in Season

Food banks provided record numbers of meals and groceries in 2020 as people and families grappled with the arrival of the novel coronavirus and the economic impacts that resulted. And, like COVID-19, the huge number of people needing food assistance has persisted in...