On Tuesday, December 13th, NorthShore Health Centers, along with MDwise, hosted ‘Santa’s Big Bash’ at Chuck E. Cheese in Merrillville, which helped brighten the holidays for families in NorthShore Health Centers’ Family Care Program that attended the celebration.
Through a generous sponsorship from MDwise and donations from Babies R Us, each family received developmentally appropriate toys, clothing, shoes and other special gifts to put under their Christmas tree or include in their annual family traditions.
“We realize that our families and patients have needs beyond medical and dental care and some may not be able to provide for their families at Christmas time,” said Tricia Hall, Director of Marketing & Patient Relations- NorthShore Health Centers.
“We wanted to give them a relaxing, fun-filled day with a little Christmas cheer,” added Hall. “We, of course, want to thank our partners at MDwise, Chuck E. Cheese and Babies R Us for helping make this day happen.”
NorthShore Health Centers regularly partners with MDwise to promote health and host fun, community-minded wellness events like ‘Santa’s Big Bash’ all year long.
“MDwise enjoys working with NorthShore Health Centers and in particular supporting the Family Care Program,” said Kim Eldridge, MDwise Northwest Consultant. “It enables us to reach more of our members and provide them with the health care information that they need.”
‘Santa’s Big Bash’ allowed families to leave their stress at the door and enjoy a fun afternoon with their children.
“Our Family Care Coordination team recognizes that stress levels in families reach an all-time high during the holiday season,” said Michelle Higel, Lead Family Care Coordinator at NorthShore Health Centers.
“Disparities in family income and family resources become more apparent during this magical time of year, for both parents and children, as families that are already struggling to survive try to find a way to bring joy into their children’s lives,” said Higel.
Families who attended this year’s ‘Santa’s Big Bash’ also received education on well child check-ups, immunizations, baby booth tooth decay, car seat safety, safe sleep practices, early intervention, women’s and men’s annual health screenings, developmentally appropriate toys and holiday safety tips.
