advancing pediatric care
Caring for Kids, Close to Home
This year, more than 12,000 local kids of all ages will turn to Sanford Children’s in Bemidji for unexpected care. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re giving each child the best chance to heal, thrive and go home healthy through services like primary and specialty care, emergency pediatric care, pediatric specialties and advanced inpatient care.
With your support, we can do more. We can make an unplanned pediatric health care journey easier for local families with our new child life program. These services will provide emotional support, reduce stress, improve outcomes and help kids get better, faster.
Give for ChildrenIntroducing the New Child Life Program
With your help, we can support children and their families when the unexpected happens. Join our efforts to enhance care for local kids and families through the region’s very first child life program.
A child’s unexpected diagnosis or injury can turn a family’s life upside down. Emergency care, diagnostic tests, surgery or treatment can leave kids feeling scared and anxious, while parents and loved ones may feel helpless and overwhelmed. This initiative is designed to help pediatric patients and their families navigate a medical journey with less fear and uncertainty through education, therapeutic play, preparation, emotional guidance and more.
Offered at no cost to families thanks to the generosity of local donors, our child life program will work collaboratively between our emergency department, surgical services, clinic services, the Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center and inpatient units to bring comfort, guidance and reassurance to pediatric patients and their loved ones when it matters most.
Enhancing Care
With your help, we can provide these services to surround children and their families with all the good they need for their journey.
Comfort That Matters
With your support, we can bring child life services to our area, making a difference for the thousands of local kids of all ages who turn to Sanford Children’s in Bemidji each year.
Good Fueled By Giving
When you give to Sanford Children’s, 100% of every dollar stays local to surround kids and families with all the good they need to get better, faster, close to home through programs and services like these:
Staff Education
Specialized simulation training equipment provides hands-on learning to enhance clinic skills and confidence, while conferences and continued education keep pediatric care teams at the forefront of their field.
Equipment & Healing Spaces
Lifesaving equipment like pediatric oncology infusion chairs, ultrasound machines, Giraffe OmniBeds, pediatric ventilators, a child-sized crash cart and more ensure children receive the best possible care in a setting thoughtfully designed just for them.
Family Support & Patient Care
Teddy bears, toys, books and games ease stress and bring joy during treatment, while specialized playground equipment enhances pediatric therapy and promotes healing through activity and movement. For families experiencing the heartbreaking loss of a baby, the Parents Embracing Time After Loss (PETAL) program provides meaningful support through mementos, support groups and other resources.
Our Next Chapter in Pediatric Care
The child life program will surround children and their loved ones with support and compassionate care from the moment they enter our doors. Together, we can help pediatric patients and families through some of life’s toughest moments.
Interested in learning more? Please reach out to our team for more information.
Give for Child Life in Bemidji
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Stories of Impact
The most powerful way to see a gift in action is through our patients. See how donor gifts are saving and changing lives. Each gift through the Sanford Health Foundation means a story for good.