The UA Department of Pediatrics has many opportunities for you to help.
The Pediatric Playroom
Many people in Tucson volunteer to play with kids at the pediatric playroom. You may volunteer in our pediatric playroom by calling the volunteer services office at University Medical Center at (520) 694-6706.
If you are interested in bringing a special project directly to the kids in University Medical Center, please call the UMC Child Life Specialist at (520) 694-5525.
Reach Out and Read
The Reach Out and Read program offers many opportunities to help children through early literacy. The program works like this:
When parents bring their children to the pediatric outpatient clinic at University Medical Center, volunteers read to them. During the well-child medical visit, a pediatrician will talk to parents about the importance of reading and emphasize the long-term benefits for their children. Every child between 6 months and 5 years old is given a new book to take home. The cost to provide books to a child between ages 6 months and 5 years old is less than $15.00.
This wonderful program is completely supported by generous donations from the community. The cost of operating the Reach Out and Read program is about $10,000 annually.
There are some easy ways to help kids learn the love of reading:
Make a cash donation. Any amount is welcomed and appreciated. We buy books at a discount from major publishers so we stretch your dollars.
Donate books. If you see a sale, pick a few up. The program always accepts donations of gently-loved children's books –especially Spanish or bilingual children's books.
If you'd like to learn more about donating to Reach Out and Read, call Lori Stratton at (520) 626-7799.
Make a Special Donation
Our residency program trains 42 residents every year. These future pediatricians spend three years with us, working long hours to acquire the knowledge they need. The Department welcomes gifts to provide residents with funding for special research projects, help residents cover the costs to attend medical conferences, and defray the expense of resident class retreats and the Annual Resident Dinner.
Some donors have provided funds to build unique spaces appropriate for residents, sick children and their families. For example, one donor has provided funds to build a new teaching center for medical students, pediatric residents and staff. Funding from the Arizona Elks helped the Department of Pediatrics completely renovate the outpatient clinic. The clinic now has separate waiting rooms for sick and well children, better organized patient rooms, more efficient space for doctors, nurses and our patients.
Sid and Faye Morse recently loaned the Steele Children's Research Center and Department of Pediatrics six beautiful portraits from the Etherton Gallery's Zoobabies collection by Michael O'Neill. These wonderful photos now delight hundreds of children each week as they enter the pediatric clinic. Each photograph comes with an educational sign describing the animal and its habitat. Donations such as this are greatly appreciated and offer children not only the opportunity to view beautiful art but an educational and cultural experience as well.
Donations to The University of Arizona Department of Pediatrics are tax-deductible and can be sent to:
UA Department of Pediatrics
1501 N Campbell Avenue
PO Box 245073
Tucson, AZ, 85724-5073
Please make checks payable to UAF/SCRC.
For more information on how you can help make a special donation, please call (520) 626-7799. |
