By Liz Hawkins, Volunteer in the CHOC Cherese Mari Laulhere Mental Health Inpatient Center
Patients in CHOC Cherese Mari Laulhere Mental Health Inpatient Center (MHIC) were treated to several surprises this holiday season.
Made possible by the MHIC Dream Team and volunteers, patients kicked off the holidays with a Thanksgiving lunch and celebration.
Thanksgiving lunch hosted by the MHIC Dream Team
Several Child Life Specialists braved the chilly autumn rain to set up a tent for Thanksgiving lunch. Patients received personalized invitations including up to 3 friends or family members to the special outdoor festivities. Tables were set with formal place settings, fall décor and activities such as decks of cards, coloring sheets, games and modeling clay to help keep the fun and conversation flowing. Other activities for patients and families included a photo booth, a picture frame decorating area and seasonal crafts.
Patients, guests and staff were served turkey and trimmings by members of CHOC’s Mental Health Advocacy Committee while music selected for the occasion by our MHIC Music Therapist played softly in the background. It was chilly and wet outside, but under the tent was warmth in the air that only a holiday can bring. Those patients that did not have family and friends able to join them at lunch were surrounded by staff that ate and played games alongside them to make their day special. That kind of compassion is extraordinary in mental healthcare, but it’s typical here at CHOC.
Warm winter surprises
After watching The Polar Express with MHIC staff, patients left cookies and milk out for Santa and went to bed early the night before Christmas. They awoke to a magical scene: holiday music played, a yule log crackled on the Seacrest Studio TV channel and presents hand-picked by Child Life Specialists awaited each patient.
Just like any child on Christmas morning, MHIC patients experienced the thrill and excitement of opening gifts chosen just for them, thanks to hard work from our Child Life team, MHIC staff, community donations and a little holiday magic.
Holiday celebrations like these bring cheer and smiles to patients and families, help to normalize the hospital experience, reduce stigma and set CHOC’s MHIC apart from other inpatient mental health centers. The MHIC Dream Team strives to make every day special for patients and families, but these holidays proved to be especially incredible.
It was the perfect way to kick off a new year in the MHIC, our second year in service to the community, where we celebrate the little things every day. We look forward to celebrating holidays in a big way in the MHIC in 2020.
Learn more about the Cherese Mari Laulhere Mental Health Inpatient Center at CHOC.
