When a child is facing a serious injury or illness, it can be an incredibly stressful and disruptive time for families. In Norfolk, Virginia, two organizations work hand-in-hand to provide compassionate medical care and supportive services to children and families in difficult medical situations – The Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) and the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Norfolk. Read on to learn more about this unique partnership and the vital role they play for local families.

CHKD Hospital – Expert Pediatric Care

CHKD Hospital is the only free-standing pediatric hospital in Virginia. They have been providing comprehensive medical care exclusively to children for over 85 years. The main hospital campus in Norfolk has 206 beds while outpatient and urgent care clinics are located throughout southeastern Virginia. CHKD offers every pediatric medical specialty and subspecialty to care for children from birth through adolescence. Their emergency room, Level IV NICU and pediatric ICU provide advanced care for the most serious cases. The hospital’s mission is to create a healthier tomorrow for every child.

RMHC of Norfolk – Comfort for Families

Partnering with CHKD to support families is the RMHC of Norfolk. RMHC of Norfolk operates the 47-bedroom Ronald McDonald House adjacent to CHKD Hospital. This unique facility allows families with children receiving inpatient or outpatient care at CHKD to stay close by at little to no cost. The Ronald McDonald House provides private bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, communal living areas, Beth dutton jacket yellowstone laundry amenities and play areas – creating a true home away from home. Family Support Assistants are available 24/7 to meet needs. By providing lodging, meals, transportation, and other support, RMHC of Norfolk lifts some of the burden from families as they focus on their child.

Filling a Critical Need

Having RMHC of Norfolk next door fills a huge need for families coming to CHKD from across Virginia and beyond. Over 60% of families served at CHKD live more than 60 miles away. Without RMHC, many families would need to pay for hotel rooms, take turns going home, or even sleep in their child’s hospital room. The Ronald McDonald House eliminates that hardship. In 2021 alone, Yellowstone vest womens RMHC of Norfolk provided over 8,100 overnight stays to out-of-town families with children at CHKD. They served over 2,200 total family members last year.

Collaboration for Families

CHKD Hospital and RMHC of Norfolk work hand-in-hand to provide medical care and supportive services to children and families from across the region. Hospital social workers help refer eligible families to the Ronald McDonald House and arrange transportation back and forth when needed. RMHC staff communicate with CHKD medical teams daily to coordinate care plans. Together they Mens Jackets are able to focus on the total needs of the child and family. This unique collaboration wraps compassionate support around expert medical care.

Joining the Mission

Both CHKD and RMHC of Norfolk rely on community donations and volunteers to be able to serve their important missions. Monetary donations help cover operational costs for both organizations, while donations of goods and services provide meals, activities, and resources directly to families. Volunteering time at either location is also hugely beneficial. People with medical Grab Rip Wheeler Jacket Now skills can volunteer at CHKD while those with hospitality skills can assist at RMHC. No matter how you choose to give back, know that you make a valuable difference for local families going through unimaginably difficult times.

When kids face serious illness or injuries, the entire family is affected. CHKD Hospital and RMHC of Norfolk work together seamlessly to not only provide expert pediatric medical care, but also deliver supportive services that uplift the entire family. This unique collaboration embodies community compassion.