Hospitalized Children – Public Service Announcement
Children who are hospitalized or facing hospitalization usually experience various levels of anxiety, fear arousal and separation anxiety. Several interventions designed to decrease these emotions in ill children such as films featuring a peer undergoing a similar procedure, have been utilized. Another such intervention is the Josh and Friends project.
The Josh and Friends project provides a better understanding of the hospital experience for sick children by utilizing the animal-human bond. Each Josh and Friends kit includes a “Josh” plush puppy as well as the book entitled I’ll be OK.
The book tells the story of a golden retriever puppy named Josh who goes through an experience at the hospital. Children learn about diagnostic procedures, surgery, and recovery all the while being affirmed by Josh’s favorite phrase: “I’ll be OK.”
The plush puppy serves an integral role in helping children cope with the stress of a hospital stay. Josh stays with them everywhere they go, serving as a reminder that “I’ll be OK.”
Project Josh and friends has been nominated to receive a $50,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project. With this grant money 1,500 hospitalized children could receive a Josh and Friend kit, but only the top rated projects win grants. Help hospitalized children at the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital by voting for this grant each day between now and May 31st at: http://www.refresheverything.com/projectjosh
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