C.H.A.D.S. a great program

Can you believe that summer break is almost here? Time sure flies fast when you’re having fun! June has been a busy month for the Health Foundation. You may have heard about our most recent event, the third annual MyKids radio-a-thon in support of C.H.A.D.S.

C.H.A.D.S is an acronym for Children's Health and Developmental Services. It is a department on the second floor behind Tim Hortons at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. The C.H.A.D.S program recognizes the importance of early identification and intervention to promote the long-term social, physical, emotional, behavioral and developmental well-being of children and their families.

The health-care professionals of C.H.A.D.S are a team that is dedicated to meeting children’s needs. They are here to support the development of children aged 0-18 years, but they also support the family unit. This core professional team includes a pediatric medical advisor, behavioral services, occupational therapy, nutrition and , physiotherapy, speech-language therapy, social workand home-based development.

C.H.A.D.S offers skill-building and treatment activities for the families of children who have or develop emotional or behavioral problems, developmental delays or disabilities. They believe in family-centred care. Parents and professionals work closely together to understand the strengths and needs of each child and family. The family helps to determine goals and activities and is encouraged to participate in the child’s treatment program. They offer group sessions, one-on-one treatments, plus educational opportunities such as sleep seminars. The C.H.A.D.S programs are all free of charge for any participating family with an Alberta Health Care card. To learn more about the program call C.H.A.D.S 403-5298966 or visit the website www.albertahealthservices.ca

We enjoyed our time at the C.H.A.D.S. 30-hour radio-athon on June 15-16. We met many families with smiling happy children who love the C.H.A.D.S programs and staff. We also raised almost $10,000.

The Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation is a local, nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to enhancing health care for residents of Medicine Hat and the surrounding area. We raise funds to support and improve the quality of local healthcare in our community.

Where does your money go?

We are proud to say that 100 per cent of your donated dollar goes to local healthcare initiatives. Thanks to donors, we fund new equipment, programming, and services that positively impact patient and family experiences.

Heather Bach is the executive director of the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation. The Health Foundation supports all AHSrelated equipment and programs within Medicine Hat and area. If you would like to support any of the current needs, please call the Health Foundation at 403 528 8133 or visit www.myhealthfoundation.ca