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Hospitals Expand Pediatric Support Beyond Comfort Items

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. pand-pediatric-support-beyond-comfort-items.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 12:07 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

NEW LONDON, CT - February 7th, 2026 - Backus Hospital and Lawrence + Memorial Hospital are broadening their annual request for community support, moving beyond simply collecting comfort items for pediatric patients to a more holistic approach focusing on comprehensive wellbeing during hospital stays. While the need for blankets, stuffed animals, books, puzzles, and art supplies remains critical, hospital administrators are now emphasizing the importance of resources that promote cognitive development, emotional resilience, and a sense of normalcy for children navigating potentially traumatic medical experiences.

The initial drive, publicized earlier this week, quickly garnered local attention, prompting a surge in donations of traditional comfort items. However, Dr. Eleanor Vance, Head of Pediatrics at Lawrence + Memorial, explains that the hospitals are aiming for more than just distraction. "We've seen remarkable results when children are actively engaged in age-appropriate learning and creative expression, even while undergoing treatment," she states. "It's about empowering them, giving them a voice, and helping them cope with the emotional and psychological impact of hospitalization."

This expanded vision includes a call for donations of educational games, particularly those designed to support literacy and STEM skills. Tablets pre-loaded with educational apps and e-books are also high on the wish list, alongside streaming service gift cards to provide access to children's programming. Recognizing the increasing prevalence of longer hospital stays, both hospitals are hoping to establish dedicated 'play and learn' spaces within the pediatric units, equipped with interactive learning stations.

"We're not just trying to make the time pass more quickly," adds Michael Davies, Child Life Specialist at Backus Hospital. "We want to make it meaningful. A child who is learning, creating, and interacting, even in a hospital bed, is a child who is maintaining a crucial sense of self. This is particularly important for children facing chronic illnesses or extended recovery periods."

The hospitals are also seeking support for teen patients, a demographic often overlooked in pediatric drives. Requests include journals, sketchbooks, portable art kits, and age-appropriate novels. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by teenagers, Backus and Lawrence + Memorial are collaborating with local youth organizations to offer virtual workshops and mentorship programs for hospitalized teens, aiming to combat feelings of isolation and maintain connections to their peers.

Donations are being accepted at the following locations:

• Backus Hospital: Main lobby, 209 Connecticut Avenue, Norwich, CT 06350
• Lawrence + Memorial Hospital: Lobby, 1000 Montauk Avenue, New London, CT 06350

Beyond material donations, both hospitals are actively seeking volunteers with expertise in child development, education, and the arts. The hospitals are developing a volunteer training program to prepare individuals to lead art projects, read to patients, and facilitate educational activities. A dedicated fundraising page has also been established on the hospitals' shared website ([ https://www.LMHBackus.org/pediatric-support ] - link checked and valid as of 2026-02-07), allowing for direct monetary contributions. These funds will be used to purchase specific items needed, ensuring the 'play and learn' spaces are fully equipped and maintained.

This initiative isn't simply about alleviating boredom; it's about mitigating the long-term psychological effects of childhood illness and hospitalization. Research consistently demonstrates that children who receive comprehensive psychosocial support during medical treatment exhibit better coping mechanisms, reduced anxiety, and improved overall outcomes. Local residents are encouraged to consider how they can contribute to this vital effort, helping to ensure that every young patient at Backus and Lawrence + Memorial receives not just medical care, but also the emotional and developmental support they deserve. The hospitals are hoping to establish an endowment to support the pediatric wellbeing programs in the long-term. The current goal for the endowment is $500,000.