Provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington DC
Since opening the doors to its first Ronald McDonald House in Washington, D.C. in 1980, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, D.C. (RMHC DC) has helped ease the burden of having a sick child for thousands of families in our community. Through their three core programs, they build bridges to quality healthcare for children. And, to extend their impact, RMHC DC recently opened their second Ronald McDonald Family Room (RMFR) at the new Inova Children’s Hospital. Through this program, families of seriously ill children are able to be present and involved in their child’s hospitalization and treatment while helping them in the healing process. Should the child need to stay in the hospital for days, weeks, or even months, Prince William County families have the opportunity to stay at the Ronald McDonald House located on the campus of Inova Fairfax Hospital – at little or no cost.
The opening of the RMFR will provide a quiet retreat for families. Here they will be able to unwind and combat anxiety, depression and stress, which, according to studies, are prevalent shortly after a child’s admission to the hospital. “It is a privilege to be able to expand our reach and impact with this new program in Inova Children’s Hospital,” said Karen Torres, RMHC DC Executive Director. “Much like our other programs, RM Family Rooms provide a welcoming space for families to relax and regroup while finding the support and encouragement they need to cope better with the illness of their child.”
“The addition of a Ronald McDonald Family Room to our hospital gives families a place for respite and comfort, while remaining close to their child” said David P. Ascher, M.D., Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Inova Children’s Hospital. “The Family Room also plays an important role in the healing process by enabling family members to be an advocate for their children with the clinical teams and to better understand their child’s treatment plan. We realize that the better our parents feel, mentally and physically, the more they can be there for their children.”
The Family Room in Inova Children’s Hospital is located on the eighth floor and is available to PICU and pediatric cardiac care families. RMHC DC staff and volunteers are onsite to welcome and assist visitors. Information on all their programs can be found at rmhcdc.org.
