Good Morning,
Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Centers would like to formally thank you for your assistance with our School Screening Project. It was a huge success and the families / staff had positive feedback for this program. You made a huge impact with your partnership for these families.
2022 School Screening Project Summary:
1. Prior to the school screening tool being administered the psychosocial division created a few documents to assist with the school screening:
a. Low cost internet brochure detailing the various internet providers and their assistance programs
b. Food assistance flyer describing the food assistance programs in the greater Houston metropolitan area
c. Houston Public Library flyer showcasing all the available new online platform services free to all card carriers
d. Free phone service flyer
e. Dental and vision assistance
f. All the documents listed above are available in Spanish and English and were available to social workers and families.
2. 426 families were provided with back to school supplies during their clinic appointment or on the inpatient unit. The supplies were generously donated by the Houston Children’s Charity, Jamie’s Hope, Sunshine Kids, His Grace, The Periwinkle Foundation, and Joseph’s Warriors. Families were also provided the opportunity to shop for needed supplies on a table within the patient/family assistant office. All families were given the opportunity to choose 5 books for all the children in the home through the Periwinkle Book Drive.
3. 74 children requested assistance with clothing or uniform needs. All were provided referral to Houston Children’s Charity for free school shopping service in their clothing closet.
4. 25 families had computer needs that were addressed through assistance by HopeCam.
5. The school screening was also delivered to the inpatient areas.
a. 98 total patients assisted:
i. 11 BMT inpatient patients
ii. 39 BMT outpatient patients
iii. 48 hematology/oncology inpatient patients
b. 150 total backpacks provided to patients and siblings
6. Feedback from Staff and Families:
• “The process was systematic and I thank you for taking the time to organize this. It was a great help.” (Social Worker)
• “The families were thrilled to receive the school supplies. We appreciated you coming to the BMT inpatient unit and offering supplies to all.” (Nurse)
• “These are amazing numbers! From an outpatient perspective, this program was super helpful. Many families I work with mentioned how it supported them so much. It helped with siblings’ coping too as it helped them feel included. ” (Child Life)
• “The backpack is so pretty. I have never had a backpack with sequins and fur! Thank you.” (patient, age 7)
• “Thank you so much. Supplies are so expensive and this is extremely helpful.” (caregiver – several families)
Michelle Fritsch, LMSW-ACP
Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Centers
6701 Fannin, MWT 1510
Houston, TX 77030
