Current Programs

The Laughter League Clowns – For decades, the League has funded the energetic, fun-loving, emotionally intuitive clowns as they bring cheer, smiles, and laughter to children and families.  The Laughter League’s team of eleven professionally-trained clowns regularly visit patients in moments of pain and stress, and assess when and how to lift their spirits.  This support enables the healing power of humor and happiness to be present throughout the hospital.

Creative Arts Program – The Artists-in-Residence and Music Therapy Programs are integral components of the patient experience and healing process at Boston Children’s Hospital. Directly funded by the League, these programs provide an opportunity for creativity and self-expression, helping patients nurture their creative minds, ease stress, and relieve pain throughout treatment.

BCHL Craft Table – The League donates their time and resources at the BCHL Craft Table by providing an opportunity for patients and family members to take a break from appointments and medical tests. Located in the hospital’s main lobby, these activities encourage the opportunity to enjoy few minutes of calm and respite.

The Center for Young Women’s Health – Over 20 years ago, the League provided a leadership gift to establish the first Resource Center of its kind which provides extensive health information, specifically for adolescent girls. The Center combines the expertise of specialists in adolescent medicine and gynecology to provide a full array for patient education, preventive medicine, and health care services.  In addition, the Center has been recognized around the world for its innovations, including moderated internet chats on the website, www.youngwomenshealth.org, which continues to receive over one million visitors per year.

Chaplaincy – The Celtic Harpist, funded solely by the League, provides peace and solitude in public spaces throughout the hospital for patients, families, and hospital staff and clinicians.

Community Asthma Program – An asthma diagnosis is one of the most common reasons a patient will visit Boston Children’s Hospital.  Asthma “closets” are located in the Emergency Department, as well as five clinics that treat asthma patients. Necessary supplies and informational materials are funded by the League to help patients and families in need.

Medical Coping Program– The League is providing seed money to establish a Medical Coping Service within the Hale Family Center for Families. This program will allow for consistent and accessible methodologies for delivering psychoeducation and support to patients and families who are facing the range of challenges that come with managing both acute and chronic medical conditions.

Prep/VR– This program is an extension of the SIMDiscovery Program whereby the patient experience and outcomes will be improved through the reduction of stress and anxiety with the utilization of 360-degree imagery. This will be developed to familiarize patients with little-known areas such as surgery preparation or the OR itself. Once fully developed, the program will be multilingual, and accessible via phone and web-based applications.

SIMDiscovery – This innovative program merges the hospital’s Simulation Program and Child Life team and extends the benefits of medical simulation to patients and their families. Through state-of-the art technology providing realistic medical environments, patients and their families have the opportunity to gain a sense of control over unknown and intimidating healthcare situations. Research shows this preparation reduces anxiety and leads to better outcomes.

Summer Camp Program – This program allows children with acute and chronic medical or psychosocial needs the opportunity to attend specialty camps, irrespective of their family’s economic standing.  Each year, approximately 125 children from 43 communities attend 69 unique camps.  The benefits of the experience are profound, including the development of friendships with others who have similar illnesses, the enjoyment of childhood pleasures, the opportunity to develop life skills, as well as offering parental respite. Thanks to this program, children come away with a sense of optimism, hope, resiliency and competency.

Teen Advisory Committee – The League continues to be the sole supporter of TAC, a leadership group of 26 teens and 6 facilitators within the hospital who meet monthly to evaluate, explore, and enhance the areas of interests to/for adolescent patients. TAC is a voice for all adolescents who are being treated for a variety of chronic illnesses.