Metro Health Hospital Holds Holiday Carnival

Nov. 14, 2013 - PRLog -- The carnival will take place on Main Street in Metro Health Village, 5900 Byron Center Ave. in Wyoming from 5-9 p.m. A tree lighting ceremony will be held at 6 p.m., when Metro Health will kick off its holiday season by not only lighting its tree, but also all lights throughout the Village.

During the event, attendees can take their pick from a variety of free events and activities including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, games for children, hayrides, cookie decorating, holiday carolers and a visit with a pet therapy dog.

Children can also bring their stuffed animal to the “teddy bear clinic” for a “checkup” with a Metro doctor or Child Life Specialist Using the principles of medical play to help relieve anxiety, children can explain their teddy bear’s pains to the doctor, who will show them how to help their bear feel better.

The carnival is open to the entire community and there is no admission fee. Refreshments and some activities will be available for a charge.

Proceeds from the carnival will go to the Child Life Program at Metro Health, a program founded on the principles of family-centered care and belief in the power of play in the hospital setting. Through distraction, play and support, the program aims to help children overcome the stressors of the medical environment and empower children to have choices and a sense of control.  The program is entirely funded by donations to the Metro Health Hospital Foundation.

For more information on the event, contact the Foundation at 616-252-5000.

About Metro Health Hospital Foundation

An award-winning leader in community healthcare, Metro Health serves more than 250,000 patients annually from across West Michigan – and beyond.  In addition to its 208-bed hospital, which provides a comprehensive suite of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services, Metro Health has a growing number neighborhood outpatient centers and offices throughout West Michigan, as well as a community clinic for the underserved and a student health clinic on the campus of Grand Valley State University.  With more than 500 physicians on staff, Metro Health provides a growing number of specialty health services, including cancer treatment, heart and vascular, neurology, pulmonology and others.  Many are members of the Metro Health Medical Group.  The hospital is committed to promoting health and wellness through the work of the Metro Health Hospital Foundation, Live Healthy community outreach classes and educational programs and more.  Visit us www.metrohealth.net, follow us on Twitter @MetroHealthGr and like us on Facebook/MetroHealth.