Dr. Steve Morrison and Nurse Nicole Carvalho check out a young patient at Hilo Medical Center. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

Special to Hawaii 24/7 by Elena Cabuta

For children, the Emergency Department can be an intimidating place to go to, especially when in pain and discomfort. The Hilo Medical Center Foundation, with the help of a $500 grant from Young Brothers, has purchased 1,000 heart-shaped “stress balls” for Emergency Department staff give to their youngest patients in need of some comfort.

“As a parent whose son was recently in the Emergency Department with a broken arm, I know that my child and as well as others could benefit from having a ‘stress ball’ to de-escalate the anxiety and pain,” said Lori Rogers, executive director of the Hilo Medical Center Foundation. “We are grateful that Young Brothers awarded us the grant to help obtain a small gift that could be of great help to children.”

The Foundation was instrumental during the Million/Million Campaign to raise funds and public support for the Emergency Department expansion and renovation project that was completed in September 2008.

The Emergency Department expanded from 14 to 28 exam rooms and from 7,000 square feet to more than 11,000 square feet. In fiscal year 2009, the Emergency Department cared for nearly 37,000 patients, 6,915 of which were children.

HMCF is a non-profit organization founded in 1995 to support the healthcare of this community and its visitors. The Foundation’s 3rd Annual Golf Tournament will be held July 31, 2010 at the Waikoloa Kings Course.

For more information about the golf tournament and the Foundation, call Rogers at 935-2957.

Hilo Medical Center staff and Foundation members show off the 1,000 stress balls. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)