Encouraging Early Literacy: Books for Babies
When it comes to reading to children, it's never too early to start. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends pediatricians “use a robust spectrum of options to support and promote literacy.”
CHOP's Books for Babies program is designed to begin a child's journey to literacy. “We know that reading with young children results in improved language skills in toddlers and improves school readiness,” says Shelia Knerr, MD, a CHOP Pediatric Hospitalist who led the creation of the program. Learn More
It's in the bag!
Through the Books for Babies program, parents of newborns receive a gift bag that includes a board book, a bookmark, an application for a library card at their local library, and information on the well-established benefits of reading to their newborn.
This was an incredible journey that began, grew and continues to prosper due to the ongoing support of the CHOP Community Impact department, the CHOP grants programs, and the commitment of the whole CHOP enterprise to help their employees support children and families in their communities.
Sheila Knerr, MD, Books for Babies Founder
Dr. Knerr recently retired from her role as a CHOP Pediatric Hospitalist and passed the torch of Books for Babies leadership to Koryse Woodrooffe Ekouevi, MD, a CHOP neonatologist at Grand View Health, pictured left.
Learn more about CHOP's literacy programs
Afghan Refugees: From Chaos to Care
After the chaotic and frightening exit from Afghanistan, refugee families coming through Philadelphia International Airport were offered a calm clinic where CHOP doctors evaluated ill children and arranged for their ongoing healthcare needs.
CHOP continued to care for children while they were in the refugee camp at Joint Base Mcguire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey and after local resettlement. Learn More
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Safe Medication Disposal Saves Lives
Leftover medications in the home, especially opioids, present a danger to a curious toddler or to a youth seeking to use or to harm themselves. By placing secure drug take-back bins near the entrances to our Philadelphia and King of Prussia hospitals, CHOP gives families a simple, anonymous way to keep their entire family safe by getting their old meds out of the house. Learn More
Guns and Kids: A Deadly Mix
Every day, eight children suffer gunshot wounds because of improperly stored or misused guns in the home. Eighty percent of teens who use a firearm to commit suicide use a family member’s gun.
The Center for Violence Prevention partners with community organizations to reduce those numbers by sharing information on how to safely store firearms and handing out hundreds of free gun locks at community events across Philadelphia. CVP also provides these resources to families during primary care and emergency room visits at CHOP. Learn More
Reaching Out to Families
CHOP’s Gun Safety Program talks to families in primary care offices, the ER and their communities.
The Power of a Picture
Dermatology is a visually oriented specialty that lends itself well to remote consultation.
Pediatricians at participating CHOP Care Network sites can send a picture of a child's skin issue through the Electronic Medical Record system to the Dermatology team for a consultation. The Dermatology team typically responds within just a few days, as opposed to patients having to wait months for an in-person consult.
The E-Consult program in dermatology has become an important part of my clinical practice. I love the fact that I can save families time, money and the anxiety of waiting for an answer, while also equipping pediatricians to manage their dermatology patients. A well-taken photo truly is worth a thousand words!
Amanda Moon, MD, CHOP Pediatric Dermatologist
The teledermatology program plans to expand to all CHOP Primary Care sites in the future. CHOP is also exploring using e-consults for other subspecialties to improve access to care and the patient family experience.
Learn more about the ways CHOP is using technology to enhance care to help children everywherePartnership for Playgrounds
Collaboration among the Healthier Together Initiative at CHOP, the Trust for Public Land and Add B. Anderson Elementary School’s principal and other stakeholders — with design help from the school’s students — turned a half an acre of asphalt into a haven that supports active play and encourages spending time outdoors.
The project also brings a safe space to the Cobbs Creek neighborhood, providing a meeting place for community events beyond the school’s operations. Learn More
Active Recruiting Broadens Supplier Base
With its Supplier Diversity Program, Children’s Hospital has emphasized creating a registry of suppliers and contractors that mirrors the diversity of our employees, patient families, board of trustees and the communities we serve and support every day.
Minority Business Enterprises bring their skills and expertise to all areas of the hospital — from constructing new buildings, providing IT solutions to the CHOP enterprise to ensuring the necessary supplies are delivered to our many locations on time. Learn More
