Jamaica Hospital Medical Center -- Department of Public Affairs -- 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, New York 11418
For Immediate Release
Name: Xavia Malcolm
Telephone: 718-206-6746
Email: xmalcolm@jhmc.org
Hospital and Casino Executives Dedicate Their Time to National Drop Everything and Read Day
Apr 11,2019
An average day for President Scott Molina and May Uri, Vice President of Human Resources at Resorts World Casino New York City involves long hours filled with planning and executing business objectives. Due to their hectic schedules, time is extremely valuable and scarce.
However, on April 12th, in celebration of National Drop Everything and Read Day ( D.E A.R. Day) both executives will drop everything in their busy schedules and join Jamaica Hospital Medical Center leadership in dedicating their time to read books to children on the hospital’s Pediatric Unit. The children will be gathered for story time and treated to a series of tales.
National Drop Everything and Read Day is an observance devoted to events and activities that encourage the love of reading among children. Adults and children participating in D.E.A.R. Day are asked to take at least 30 minutes out of their routines to dive into a good book.
Drop Everything and Read Day was first introduced in Beverly Cleary’s book, “Ramona Quimby, Age 8.” The commemorative date of April 12th was chosen in honor of the birthday of the beloved children’s books author.
“We know firsthand how important story time and other fun activities are to children admitted to our hospital. Our Pediatric team aims to create an environment that makes children feel at home. A Child Life Specialist is on staff to ensure a positive experience by facilitating recreational and educational activities. She provides emotional, developmental and social support, during a time when children may feel anxious or afraid.” explained Bruce J. Flanz, President of Jamaica Hospital.
“Resorts World Casino New York City is proud to support education programs that provide critical resources to children in our community. Drop Everything and Read Day shines a spotlight on the importance of reading and we are excited to put down our work for a day, pick up some great books and share the experience with these inspirational children,” shared Scott Molina.
In addition to reading stories on D.E.A.R Day, executives from Resorts World will tour Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Unit and Emergency Department to view newly installed wall mounted, pediatric activity centers donated by the casino. The activity centers are designed to help develop children’s motor and sensory systems.
“We are grateful for the donation of the pediatric activity centers. Our team will utilize these tools to engage children in play and help ease their anxieties,” said Jamaica Hospital Child Life Specialist Tracey Kunj-Ramen.