Central Floridians have all heard about the new Nemours Childrens Hospital slated to open in September 2012. But, I don’t think anyone knows that WE, i.e. the community of Central Florida, have a chance to  vote on how best to use a $500,000 grant from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation of Winter Park issued to the new facility.

Nemours took a look at their programs and identified three that could be enhanced with this grant. Now through September 26,members of the community can go to the Nemours Facebook page and vote.

Vote For The Program Of Your Choice

Take a stand (from the comfort of your laptop of course) and vote!

If Facebook isn’t your thing, patients can also vote utilizing paper ballots at the Nemours Children’s Clinics in Orlando, Lake Mary and Viera.

The three potential programs include:

KidsTRACK Care Coordination  Imagine your child has just been diagnosed with a medically complex condition. When you have so many questions, where can you turn for answers and trusted advice? Through Nemours KidsTRACK (Teaching, Research, Advocacy, Community and Knowledge), a care coordinator will provide a single point of contact for families. Whether it’s helping set up doctors’ appointments and talking to insurance agencies, or prepare families to return home by providing training on proper use of medication, our care coordinators will be there for families every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home life.

Hospital Healing Gardens   What if a hospital stay could also mean an inspirational and transformative healing journey for a child? Our Discovery Garden will create an enriching experience for patient families with an acre of interactive outdoor areas devoted to the five senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Children can explore in a garden filled with herbs and vegetables, create music on the xylophone benches and free-standing drums, experience a wide variety of fragrant flowers, and even find their way through hedge mazes and colorful sculptures.

Sanctuary    Can a trip to the Emergency Department be made less stressful for families? The Emergency Department at the new Nemours Children’s Hospital will do just that, making the entire experience easier and more calming for your family. While you wait for test results, escape and relax with your child in one of our “soothing sanctuary” play areas or enjoy interactive entertainment like educational games, videos and activities. Our Emergency Department will also include a child-life specialist who will talk to families and their child, using technology to help explain information that can often be difficult to understand.