April 20, 2001

Kids and families can shoot for the stars when MassGeneral Hospital for Children celebrates Children and HealthCare Week, April 23 to May 1. The annual Children's Health Fair April 26 will be set to the theme of "2001 HealthCare Odyssey," featuring a variety of fun, space-oriented displays. The entire week will be packed with interactive and educational activities for children and families. Other highlights of the weeklong series of events will include an art fair and the Family-Centered Care Awards.

Schedule of activities

April 23 to May 4 An art fair will be held throughout the day in the Main Corridor. Art designed by children from across the state, focusing on the theme "Who or What Keeps You Healthy and Safe?," will be on display. Employees, patients and visitors can vote for their favorite artwork in three age categories. Artwork should be brought to Ellison 17, room 1705, to be added to the festive display.

April 26 The annual Children's Health Fair, set to the theme "2001 HealthCare Odyssey," will be held from 9 am to 5 pm in the Bulfinch Tent. Sponsored by the FleetBoston Financial Foundation, the fair will include more than 60 interactive booths covering topics related to children's health and safety. Children of employees participating in Take Our Children to Work Day also will be attending the fair as part of their career education activities.

April 27 The Family-Centered Care Awards ceremony will be held at 1 pm in the Ellison 18 day room. Five awards will be presented, and all nominees will be recognized for their achievements. Refreshments will be served.

April 30 Hurt Alert Day will be held throughout the day, offering information for employees and parents on how to keep children pain-free while in and out of the hospital.

May 1 Multidisciplinary pediatric grand rounds will be held in the O'Keeffe Auditorium at noon. "Parenting a Child with Special Health Care Needs" will be presented by a panel of parents from the Family Advisory Committee. Lunch will be served.

For more information about Children and HealthCare Week, contact Mary Lou Kelleher, RN, at (617) 724-5720.