MercyOne Receives Grant from Child's Play

DES MOINES, Iowa – MercyOne Children's Hospital has received a generous grant from Child's Play, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in hospitals through the power of play. The funding provided four new iPads and protective cases, light spinners, and stress balls that are helping young patients cope with medical procedures and hospital stays.

The new resources are used daily by MercyOne Children's Hospital's Child Life team to reduce anxiety and provide comfort during stressful experiences such as lab draws, IV placements and imaging procedures.

"Hospital visits can be frightening for children, and play is one of the most effective tools we have to help them cope," said Rebecca Wilson, a Child Life Specialist at MercyOne Children's Hospital. "These items allow us to offer meaningful distractions and comfort during procedures while also helping children maintain a sense of normalcy during their stay."

Stress balls provide children with a tangible activity to focus on during procedures involving needles, giving them a positive coping strategy during uncomfortable moments. The iPads offer opportunities for play, entertainment, and education, reminding patients that they can still be kids even while receiving medical care. Child Life specialists also use the devices to help children prepare for procedures through developmentally appropriate educational apps, helping reduce fear and uncertainty.

The light spinners have become particularly valuable for infants and toddlers, providing visual distraction during procedures and imaging studies. By helping young patients remain calm and still during CT scans, the devices can often reduce the need for sedation.

"We are incredibly grateful to Child's Play for investing in the well-being of our patients," said Joan Bindel, Vice President of MercyOne Des Moines Foundation. "This grant helps us provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and create positive experiences for children and families during what can be a very challenging time."

Through the generosity of Child's Play, MercyOne Children's Hospital continues to provide compassionate, family-centered care that supports not only the physical health of children, but also their emotional well-being.

About Child's Play

Child's Play is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in hospitals through the therapeutic benefits of play. Through grants and donations, Child's Play provides toys, games, technology, and other resources to pediatric healthcare facilities.