Comprehensive care includes psychosocial and emotional health. For several years, ConnectMed has led or supported play and art programs that foster self-esteem and self-empowerment among patients with craniofacial and other visible differences in Tijuana, Mexico and Lilongwe, Malawi.
ConnectMed has expanded its scope to address specific psychosocial needs for these and their families in the U.S. Why?
Children who “look different” and their family members are at an elevated risk for mental health issues that can lead to long-term cognitive, health-related, and behavioral problems.
40-60% of kids with visible differences report being teased or bullied because of the way they look.
1 in 3 people with a facial deformity has experienced abuse in the street.
Patients and family members may be left feeling isolated, overwhelmed and stressed. For these reasons, strengthening community, breaking down barriers between families and treatment teams, and growing self-esteem and self-empowerment are critical objectives for this community. Programs that offer this psychosocial outreach include:
Camp Cosmos, launched in 2018. It is the first and only therapeutic and recreational day camp for this community in and around San Diego.
Since 2018, we have been honored to partner with the incredible Children’s Craniofacial Association to provide individual and group therapy sessions at Camp CARE at the CCA Kids’ annual retreat.
Smile 4 Kids
Nurses Appreciation Week 2021 is May 6-May 12, and our Smile4Kids cause this month is NURSES & NURSING STUDENTS – recognizing, appreciating and investing in them!
We will spotlight some of the many nurses and nursing students who have volunteered with our teams and provided critical care to patients around the world .
We will share updates about the low-income nursing students from rural communities in Vietnam who have received ConnectMed scholarships to attend Hue University School of Nursing (Hue, Vietnam). With your generosity and support this month, we hope to continue this scholarship support.
Make a donation in the name of your favorite #SuperHeroNurse and we will send him/her a note of acknowledgment and a ConnectMed #OperatingWithCare mask & lanyard!
July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month! In honor of this special month, will you help us raise funds to help support children and young adults with craniofacial differences and special needs?
