Local first responders bring stories, smiles to patients at Hoops Family Children’s Hospital

Huntington Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Christopher Blanton reads to a patient at Hoops Family Children's Hospital as part of the Badges and Books program.

The Huntington Police Department (HPD) and the Huntington Fire Department (HFD) have teamed up to support patients at Marshall Health Network-Hoops Family Children’s Hospital (HFCH) through a new program called Badges and Books.

First responders will regularly visit the hospital to read to children receiving care. Each patient also receives a copy of the book being read along with a teddy bear.

The program was inspired by a local businessman, Philip Macri, who, after meeting musician and children’s author Coy Bowles, saw an opportunity to bring the joy of storytelling to hospitalized children. Books written by Bowles are now at the heart of the initiative, helping spark imagination and provide a sense of normalcy during a hospital stay.

“It’s an extremely great thing to be a part of,” said HFD Private Anthony Sapp, who participated in the first reading Tuesday, April 7. “I look forward to meeting with the patients and bringing a little positivity into their day, as they have brought to mine.”

The program enhances the work of the hospital’s Child Life Department, which supports patients and families through play therapy, education and activities designed to reduce stress and promote healing.

“Our first responders are already heroes in the eyes of so many children,” said Kaitlin Schaver, MSN, RN, CCRN, director, HFCH. “Seeing them walk into a hospital room not for an emergency, but to share a story and a smile, is incredibly meaningful. It shows our patients that they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply about them.”

Local businesses and organizations, including the Huntington Elks Lodge No. 313, have stepped forward to support the program, helping provide books and teddy bears so more children can benefit from the experience. The community can support Books and Badges with donations to the Huntington Police Department Foundation at https://bit.ly/HPDFoundation.

To learn more about services at Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, visit hoopschildrens.org.