Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of Renovated Teen Room for Patients of the UM Children’s Hospital

July 11, 2015

On July 11th, supporters of the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital (UMCH) gathered for the ribbon cutting and dedication of the newly-renovated Starlight® Site Teen Room in the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital. Renovations were generously funded by Northwestern Mutual through the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Maggie Lebherz, and Trustees of the Endowment Fund of the University of Maryland.

Recent enhancements to the dedicated space for teenage patients mean that “our kids have more of a social environment where there is more to do than just watch TV” says Child Life Manager Shannon Joslin. “The new Teen Room provides a change of scenery for our teens when they just need to get away from a hospital bed and feel like a normal kid."

The Teen Room concept reflects the patient-centered approach of UMCH and is available to pediatric patients ages 8-18 undergoing all types of treatment for chronic and acute illnesses. Here, teens can be teens and enjoy a variety of activities like arts and crafts, watching movies or gaming, playing air hockey or simply hanging out in a less clinical environment. Patients are also invited to bring friends and family (with physician approval). The Teen Room is also considered an “ouch free” zone where conversations about treatments or illness can only take place with the patient’s permission.

“We are truly grateful for our donors for their support for our teen patients” says Dr. Steven Czinn, Physician-in-Chief of the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital. “Gifts like these allow us to help our patients take a break from the stress of illness and being hospitalized.”

To view more photos from the event, click here.