Texas wins national award for volunteerism

Radio Lollipop, the in-hospital radio station at Texas Children’s Hospital, is a winner of the 2001 American Hospital Association Hospital Awards for Volunteer Excellence.

Health care executives from across the nation selected the on-air interactive program as an effective, innovative and winning volunteer program.

“Radio Lollipop volunteers are extraordinarily dedicated and very deserving of this award,” said Sarah Fallon, Radio Lollipop coordinator. “Their work has greatly improved the evening atmosphere at Texas Children’s.”

Radio Lollipop premiered at Texas Children’s on Oct. 5, 1999. The program provides comfort, play therapy and entertainment by broadcasting through Texas Children’s television system. The studio has aired more than 150 shows for Texas Children’s patients on “Terrific Tuesdays” and “Thrilling Thursdays” from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.

Young patients get a voice and a choice on Radio Lollipop. They can call in requests, act as announcers and sing along with their favorite songs.

During the course of the show, volunteers staff the preteen playroom, presenting the craft activity of the evening. Other volunteers visit inpatient areas, delivering the evening’s activities to children confined to their beds or rooms.

Shows stay fresh by offering a different theme each week – such as friendship – which is tied to the craft activity, music and trivia contests.