Penn State Health Children’s Hospital promotes wellness in the community through a variety of programs - improving the health of children through classes, workshops, and other initiatives.
Ongoing Outreach/Community Programs
ASERT
ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training) is a statewide initiative funded by the Bureau of Autism Services (BAS), Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), and PA Department of Human Services. ASERT is a key component of the BAS’s strategy for supporting individuals with autism and their families throughout the commonwealth.
Anti-Bullying Program
School-based programs for female relational aggression, Club O, Camp Ophelia
Contact: Cheryl Dellasaga, RN, GNP, Professor Humanities and Women’s Study
Brain Safety
Educational program in schools about the effect of drugs on the brain.
Contact: Sue Pazuchanics
Car seat, child and infant passenger safety; car seat education, inspection and installation
Weekly by appointment in Hershey or Harrisburg. Referrals for other sites. Car seats available based on ability to pay by select referral partners in hospital and in community through Safe Kids.
Contacts: Shannon DePatto, BS, Emmy Sasala, BS, Med
Website: Injury Prevention Program
Center for Protection of Children
Inpatient and outpatient resource for evaluation, management, and education
Contacts: Lori Frasier, MD, Director, Kathryn Crowell, MD, Heather Hoffman, MSW and Cathy Lewis
Website: Center for Protection of Children
Child Life Program
Provides inpatient support to patients, families, and siblings. Frequently provides hospital tours, partners for other initiatives, and Teddy Bear Clinics.
Contact: Ashley Kane, Manager
Website: Child Life Program
Concussion Program
Provides patient follow-up and education
Contact: Bev Shirk, BSN, RN, Pediatric Trauma Coordinator
Website: Concussion Care
Note: Other groups involved in concussion brain and brain safety: Safe Kids, Stroke Program, Life Lion
Driver’s Education
For young drivers, by court referral only.
Contact: Bev Shirk, BSN, RN, Pediatric Trauma Coordinator
Drugs 101
Program that features drug education for parents and children
Contacts: Bev Shirk, BSN, RN, Pediatric Trauma Coordinator, Paula Cameron, Care Coordinator for Pediatrics
Farm Safety Program
An injury prevention program focused on barn safety and horse–buggy safety.
Contact: Bev Shirk, BSN, RN, Pediatric Trauma Coordinator
Food Allergy Network
Family support for management of children’s food allergies. Provides education and advocacy.
Contact: Tracy Fausnight, MD
Injury Prevention and Pediatric Trauma – Pediatric Trauma and Dauphin County Safe Kids
Provides injury prevention and safety education in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Contacts: Shannon DePatto, BS, Emmy Sasala, BS, Med
Website: Injury Prevention Program
Hummingbird Program
Provides palliative care, grief support and education
Contact: Nicole Hahnlen, RN, Clinical Coordinator, Pediatric Palliative Care
Website: Hummingbird Program
Life Lion EMS
Provides blood pressure screenings, bicycle safety, car seat tagging, and more
Contact: Joseph DePatto, Paramedic, Life Lion Community Outreach
Website: Life Lion EMS
PRO Wellness Center
Provides curriculum, resources; expertise on childhood obesity, nutrition, activity, and exercise
Contacts: Jennifer Kraschnewski, MD, Executive Director and Ellie Hogentogler, Marketing/Relationship Manager
Website: PRO Wellness Center
Resuscitation Science Training Center
Provides community education for CPR, hands-only CPR
Contact: Tammi Bortner, BSN, RN, Program Manager
Ronald McDonald House
Provides housing, meals, and support for patient families
Contact: Ann Mahalik
Website: Ronald McDonald House
Safe Sitter Program
One-day Safe Kids babysitting training program for youth 11 years and older (registration required – fee for class materials)
Contacts: Shannon DePatto, BS, Emmy Sasala, BS, Med
Website: Safe Sitter Program
Safe Sleep Program
Safe sleep education for inpatient and outpatient patients, community campaign; Cribs for Kids provider.
Contacts: Amy Bollinger
School Nurse Update Program
CE program offered for school nurses, paraprofessionals and school social workers
Contact: Lori Harkaway, MSN, RN
Website: Penn State Health's Annual School Nurse Update
Stroke Prevention and Stroke Detective program
Even young children need to know how to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and call 911 immediately to help because their parents may be affected.
Download the Stroke Detective coloring and activity book for children
Contact: Andrea Singer
Healthy Weight Program for Kids and Teens
Group for ages 6-18. Participants may have chronic illness such as migraines or diabetes but not active suicidal ideation, any autism spectrum disorder, active psychotic symptoms, or severe depression that may interfere with participation or attendance.
Contacts: Timothy Zeiger, PsyD and Stephanie Ebersole
Website: Healthy Weight Program for Kids and Teens