The following was shared today on our blog for Program Directors. I felt it would be good information to share  with you as well.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me, Shirley Rogers, SVP, Hospital Relations, at SRogers@cmnhospitals.org

Although the Children’s Hospitals Week events in Orlando have been tentatively postponed, the awareness activities of #ChildrensHospitalsWeek, April 6-12, will continue as planned. We recognize that many of you may not be able to participate in the ways and to the level you anticipated. We understand and support those decisions.

However, if you still elect to participate in #ChildrensHospitalsWeek, here are some suggested tools to incorporate the events of COVID-19 into your messaging. #ChildrensHospitalsWeek is all about sharing the impact of children’s hospitals on communities. These ideas can augment the toolkit and activation ideas that have already been provided.

During #ChildrensHospitalsWeek we want to recognize the importance of children’s hospitals. Children’s hospitals are on the front lines in times of crisis. Now, they are helping vulnerable children deal with any complications they may face if they contract the virus. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals created #stayinghomefor to showcase the role children’s hospitals play in the COVID-19 crisis, how individuals can help protect the most vulnerable kids and encourage others to share stories of their vulnerable kids or loved ones.

Messaging Example: Nate has mitochondrial disease, which in the simplest terms means his body has trouble turning food into energy. While his body may not always have the proper energy, Nate’s fun-loving personality stands in stark contrast to his disease. When making public health decisions, leaders think of kids like Nate, who would struggle with an illness like COVID-19. We’re staying home for kids like Nate. Who are you #stayinghomefor and social distancing? Thank you for your continued support of children’s hospitals during #ChildrensHospitalsWeek. Together we can change kids’ health; together we can change the future.

Messaging Example: Vinny has cystic fibrosis. Our hospital treats kids with the most complex conditions, like Vinny. Kids like Vinny can’t wait for tomorrow’s funding solution. They need help now. By supporting #ChildrensHospitalsWeek we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future.

Bulleted Messaging Points:

• We’re staying home for kids like…
• Together we can change kids’ health; together we can change the future. OR. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future.
• Thank you for your continued support of children’s hospitals and the most vulnerable kids.
• Children’s hospitals are on the front lines in times of crisis.
• For whom are you staying home? #stayinghomefor
• When possible, use phrases like “staying home” or “physical or social distancing” instead of “quarantine” or “social isolation.”
• “Kids can’t wait” phrasing also works well, where appropriate. Phrasing like, “Kids can’t wait for tomorrow’s funding solution” or “kids can’t wait for a cure.”
• In less direct messaging, you can acknowledge the state of the world with phrasing like, “Need a break?, “In times like these…” or “Despite current conditions…

Other #ChildrensHospitalsWeek Messaging Ideas – As simple as adding #ChildrensHospitalsWeek to and other types of stories.

• Share what your hospital is doing to help during COVID-19
• Share stories of staff and caregivers and how they’re rising to meet this moment in history
• Share stories of vulnerable children who are impacted
• Share stories of families who have been impacted economically by COVID-19 and how they are receiving care at your hospital, possibly through charitable care

Bandage Distribution Ideas (should you still be able and are wanting/planning to distribute)

• Offer to mail and distribute bandages through your social channels to supporters
• Distribute to grateful patient families through the mail
• Direct supporters to https://freebandages.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/, if you’re unable to distribute, would still like to provide them the option to receive #ChildrensHospitalsWeek bandages.
• Have other distribution ideas? Share them in the comments, or with your colleagues in your area Facebook groups, so they can learn from you.

Other questions? Please contact your area vice president.

Tags:

• CHW2020
• COVID-19