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IDAHO FALLS — In September of 2019, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho (RMHC of Idaho) celebrated the opening of a brand new Ronald McDonald Family Room inside the walls of Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC). One year later, the Family Room has served more than 400 families and had over 2,700 family visits.
Since opening its doors, the Family Room has served as a “home-away-from-home” for families with sick children at EIRMC. Families who use the Family Room have children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatrics Intensive Care Units, Pediatrics, and Behavioral Health Center at EIRMC. Families from Idaho Falls and area communities along with the wide region EIRMC serves (Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Washington, and beyond) are able to utilize the Family Room.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, RMHC of Idaho has continued finding ways to support families in need. Families are able to stay the night at the Family Room, relax and have a snack, do their laundry, eat a hot meal, and rejuvenate during their long days at the hospital.
Because of health and safety concerns over COVID-19, RMHC of Idaho is unable to celebrate this milestone with the community in person. However, they are finding other ways to celebrate virtually. RMHC of Idaho staff, EIRMC staff, and community partners came together to sing Happy Birthday and share messages of support for the Family Room and all its success this past year. These messages will be shared on social media to help celebrate.
RMHC is also encouraging the community to purchase “birthday gifts” for the Family Room. During this time without volunteers, donating wish list items is a critical part of helping RMHC be there for families. Order items from their Amazon wish list and have them shipped straight to the Family Room at 3200 Channing Way, Ste. 106, Idaho Falls, ID 83404.