How CHKD and RMHC of Norfolk are Helping Children and Families with Mental Health Issues

Mental health is a crucial aspect of well-being for children and their families. However, many children in Hampton Roads face mental health challenges that require specialized care and support. According to WHRO, mental health issues among children were on the rise even before the pandemic, but COVID-19 worsened the situation. Mental health-related emergency room visits at CHKD (Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters) have nearly doubled on average.

Fortunately, there are organizations that are dedicated to helping children and families with mental health issues in Hampton Roads. One of them is CHKD, the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia that offers comprehensive medical care for children from birth to age 21. Another one is RMHC (Ronald McDonald House Charities) of Norfolk, a non-profit organization that provides a home away from home for families with children receiving treatment at CHKD.

In this blog post, we will explore how CHKD and RMHC of Norfolk are working together to provide family-centered care for children and their families who are facing serious mental health challenges.

CHKD’s New Mental Health Hospital

CHKD is set to open a new pediatric psychiatric hospital in October 2022, which will be the first of its kind in Virginia. The new Children’s Pavilion will be a 14-story building that will offer a range of mental health services for children, including inpatient and outpatient care, prevention and day programs, research, and follow-up care.

The new Children’s Pavilion will have 60 private rooms for inpatient care, as well as outpatient clinics, therapy rooms, classrooms, recreational areas, and research labs. The hospital will also have a rooftop recreation area that will provide fresh air and spectacular views for the patients. The hospital will assemble 400 doctors, researchers, and academics from across the country to transform the way mental health services are delivered to children.

The new Children’s Pavilion will address the critical care gap in Hampton Roads, where it is currently difficult for parents to find a place that offers both inpatient and wraparound services for their children with mental health issues. The hospital will also help reduce the stigma associated with mental health treatment by putting the building in a prominent location in Norfolk.

RMHC of Norfolk’s Support for Families

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk is a partner in the family-centered care of CHKD. RMHC of Norfolk operates a 20-bedroom house that is just steps away from CHKD, where families can stay for free or at a low cost while their children are hospitalized. RMHC of Norfolk also offers a Day Use Program, where families who are not staying at the house can access the laundry room, kitchen, food, and free Wi-Fi.

RMHC of Norfolk also provides meals, transportation, and emotional support for the families who stay at the house or use the Day Use Program. RMHC of Norfolk also organizes events and activities for the families and the children to help them cope with their situation and have some fun. RMHC of Norfolk also raises funds and awareness for its mission through various campaigns and programs.

RMHC of Norfolk helps keep families close to their hospitalized children at CHKD, which is especially important for those who have mental health issues. Staying close to their children can help parents participate in their care and recovery, as well as reduce their stress and anxiety. Staying at RMHC of Norfolk can also help families save money on lodging, food, and transportation costs.

Conclusion

CHKD and RMHC of Norfolk are two organizations that are helping children and families with mental health issues in Hampton Roads. They are collaborating on a new pediatric psychiatric hospital that will open in October 2022, which will offer a range of mental health services for children. They are also providing a home away from home for families with children receiving treatment at CHKD.

If you want to support CHKD and RMHC of Norfolk in their mission, you can visit their websites and learn more about their programs and how to get involved. You can also donate to their Lighting The Way campaign or their Red Shoe Zoo event to help them reach their fundraising goals.

CHKD and RMHC of Norfolk are making a difference in the lives of children and families with mental health issues in Hampton Roads. They are providing hope and healing for those who need it most.