As a national leader in patient-centered care, UC Davis Medical Center has invested more than $30,000 in donor funds to launch CARE Carts to make patients more comfortable and help them adapt to being in the hospital.

Established by The CARE Project, each CARE cart includes items like games and art supplies that support patients through creative self-expression, relaxation and recreation.

“When we started The CARE Project, we conducted surveys of staff which showed only some units housed diversional materials,” explained Katie Lorain, Creative Arts and Recreation Therapy manager at UC Davis Health. "We established the CARE Carts so we could provide the same resources to all patients, regardless of the unit they were on.”

Among the supplies included on each CARE Cart are:

“We have also included instructions and tips for staff or caregivers on how certain items can be used to help patients struggling with issues like isolation, anxiety, or depression,” explained Lorain. “Our goal is to support patients, their families, and caregivers in their journey to wellness and healing by promoting independence and improving quality of life through evidenced-based clinical interventions and therapeutic activities.”

The CARE Project at UC Davis Health provides direct patient-care interdisciplinary services through art therapy, Reiki, and diversional interventions. It enhances the health care environment and aids in healing and recovery for patients at UC Davis Medical Center through:

C – Compassion, Companionship, and Creativity

A – Amenities and Art

R – Recreation and Relaxation

E – Education and Exploration

To donate to the CARE Carts program, visit The CARE Project online giving page. To sign up as a volunteer for The CARE Project, please contact Katie Lorain at klorain@ucdavis.edu.

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