Penn State Hershey Child Life Program - Advisory Council of Teens

Advisory Council of Teens

ACT Mission and Goals

To give pediatric patients the opportunity to provide suggestions in an effort to strengthen pediatric services in the hospital
To participate in community service projects
To improve the hospital atmosphere and quality of care for patients and their families
To act as a "voice" for current pediatric patients

ACT Members’ Selection Process and Stats

ACT members are nominated by hospital staff or personally express interest
Members must be previous or current patients between the ages of 13-17
Members must be willing to participate in, and contribute to, meetings and special events
Members must commit to ACT for a minimum of one year
Applications/Brochures are available-please stop by the 7th floor or email us at ACT@hmc.psu.edu for more information

What We’re Working on Now

Promoting ACT through hospital related media events (CMN Radiothon, CMN Telethon, public relations posters)

ACT Accomplishments

Created ACT brochure to educate patients, families, and staff about our council
Designed ACT logo which we used to create ACT T-shirts
Created a bulletin board to share information about ACT for staff, patient, and family members
Participated in community service events
Redecorated the Teen Lounge
Donated teen magazines to the Teen Lounge, Emergency Department, and Outpatient Waiting Areas
Designed location boards for each patient room so patients can let their visitors know where they are
Mounted hand-painted mailboxes outside of each patient room to be used for Child Life deliveries
Met with food services to improve menu options for pediatric patients
Implemented new design for pediatric pajamas
Created a "Child's Rights" document for pediatric patients

Future Projects

To develop a questionnaire for feedback from pediatric patients about our hospital's services
To create a buddy system for newly diagnosed patients to be paired up with a current or previous patient with a similar diagnosis
To create a quarterly newsletter (“A.C.T.ion”) for pediatric patients, which will include fun activities, such as a word search or crossword puzzle

Why I Became A Member

I chose to become a member of ACT because it is such a great thing!

I chose to join ACT because I wanted to make conditions for pediatric patients and their families more comfortable.

I chose to become a member of ACT because I wanted to help make a difference.

I chose to become a member of ACT because I feel obligated to give back to the hospital that saved my life.