During the month of March, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center is celebrating Child Life Month. Hostedannually by the Association of Child Life Professionals, Child Life Month recognizes and highlights the important role Certified Child Life Specialists play ensuring the emotional safety of children and families in healthcare settings. This annual observance is an excellent occasion to expressappreciation to child life professionals and to make the local community aware of the benefit of child life services.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has endorsed the important role of the Certified Child Life Specialist stating, “a child life program improves quality and decreases costs and, therefore, should be included in the value-added equation and discussion of health care cost, including with payers.” U.S. News & World Report has also recognized that expertise in child life is a vital variable in the success of pediatric care and a key quality indicator in hospital rankings.

“Thank you for recognizing the significant impact Certified Child Life Specialists play in emotionally preparing children and families for medical treatmentand supporting them through difficult experiences,” said ACLP Board President Lindsay Heering, MS, CCLS. “Now, more than ever, ACLP is proud of the global contributions child life is making and the commitment shown to children and families.”

This year during child life month are weekly themes to celebrate the work of child life specialists:
· March 6-12: Professional Development
· March 13-19: Member Appreciation Week
· March 20-26: Self-Care
· March 27-31: Recognition