Psychiatry’s New Family Lounge Opens with Support from Ronald McDonald House, Friends of Strong

Families of children receiving mental health services through the Department of Psychiatry now have their own dedicated space to rest and relax. Developed in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Rochester and the Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital, it offers families a play area and laundry facilities, as well as complimentary beverages and snacks.

The new Mental Health & Wellness Family Lounge, staffed by the RMHC team, was dedicated in a ceremony earlier this week.

“We are grateful that Ronald McDonald House and the Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital have chosen to partner with us on this unique project,” said Hochang (Ben) Lee, M.D., chair of Psychiatry and the John Romano Professor of Psychiatry. “It will undoubtedly impact pediatric patients and families who come to us for care, sometimes without warning, often traveling from hours away and leaving behind their regular support systems. We provide care not only for our patients, but their family members, as well, and this is another opportunity to deliver that care, helping to improve their well-being in the face of a health crisis.”

The lounge represents the first mental-health-specific space that the Ronald McDonald House organization has opened in the United States.

“We are thrilled to be the leader in bringing our family-centered care model to pediatric mental health services at URMC,” said Kelly McCormick-Sullivan, president & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester. “The Mental Health and Wellness Lounge is an important extension of our long-time partnership with URMC, and we view this as a first step in a long-term commitment to pediatric mental health.”

“Families who use our services are already going through something challenging,” said Michael Scharf, M.D., chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. “With this new lounge, they will have a space that offers comfort – both physical and emotional – allowing them to focus all of their energy and attention on their child’s treatment.”

The lounge is a result of the relationship between Psychiatry’s Office of Mental Health Promotion and a patient and family advisory group – the Department of Psychiatry Advisory Council of Consumers (DPACC). The latter serves an important role as the “voice” of patients and families, providing feedback about the patient experience.

The council’s strong advocacy for the project, with the support of the Office of Mental Health Promotion, led to a collaboration between RMHC and the Friends of Strong Leadership Council.

"We're pleased that we've been able to help support the creation of this unique new space for our patients' families," said Sandy Arbasak, director of Friends of Strong. "The comfort and peace of mind a space like this provides a family is at the very core of our mission."

Matt Ulakovic | 11/6/2018

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