Volunteers Needed for 'Diversionary Play' Program at OU Children's Physicians

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- OU Children's Physicians and the Cavett Kids Foundation are offering an opportunity for volunteers to help provide interactive activities for children and their families in children's clinic waiting areas.

The "Diversionary Play" program is a way for volunteers to help alleviate any fears of visiting a doctor that a young patient and or family member may have. Activities include arts and crafts, holiday parties, story time, visits from special visitors and more.

"While waiting for an appointment, children, and their families, can become overwhelmed with fear, stress and anxiety," explained Jenny Rodgers, director of Diversionary Play at OU Children's Physicians. "Our Diversionary Play program serves to greet children and their families with an entertaining environment filled with interactive arts and crafts activities where the children are encouraged to be the children they are while they wait for their appointment."

In addition to the children who are waiting, the program assists in keeping the patients' siblings entertained, allowing parents to focus their energy and attention on their ill child's needs and the doctor's assessment and care instructions.

Volunteer hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Typically, a volunteer is matched with a clinic based on the clinic's need for a volunteer and the volunteer's availability.

Volunteers will undergo a background check, TB test and will be required to have current vaccinations. If any vaccinations are lacking, they will be provided at no cost to the volunteer.

Anyone interested in applying to become a volunteer with the OU Children's Physicians Diversionary Play program, is encouraged to contact Jenny Rodgers at (405) 271-2271 or Jenny-Rodgers@OUHSC.edu.