Recently, I wrote an article on 7 Reasons Why Healthcare Facilities Need a Humor Program. The message must have resonated, based on the response. It’s not surprising, because the core concept itself is endearing to the majority of the public.

It is indeed a heartwarming thought of hospital clowns cheering sick children, or healthcare family entertainers performing for ailing patients. Without a doubt, such selfless acts are noble efforts. It’s easy to figure that through the freely-offered gift of heart, spirits are lifted and patient’s days are brightened. Perhaps that’s the ‘easy’ part to calculate in this formula.

Based upon documented fact and reliable research, the medical community recognizes and embraces the health benefits of applied humor therapy, and even encourages it. However, so many hospitals still have no Humor Program in place… leaving us to wonder – why? It couldn’t be for lack of willing volunteers, because in our trips and travels, we have met many experienced clowns and family entertainers wishing with all their hearts to spread laughter and cheer in the healthcare venue, if only given an opportunity and the necessary facility training.

Benefits of a healthcare Humor Program are far-reaching, even beyond the obvious health effects and spirit-lifting offered to patients, visitors and staff. In fact, in considering establishing a Humor Program, it is possible some related positive side effects might otherwise be missed in the big picture view amidst the flurry of planning and activity.

In the process, hospitals and healthcare facilities that establish a Humor Program may experience at least some of the following benefits for their own organization:

1) Build a reputation as a caring facility: Going that extra mile by offering something really special and totally unexpected — and not to mention different from all the other area hospitals!

2) Recognized as taking a personal approach: By providing a means for good will ambassadors to do some great PR, create smiles and happy memories that will last a long time in the hearts and minds that are touched by a special performance or gentle presence.

3) Receive a lot of promotional value and mileage: Through the positive, uplifting experiences provided purely as an ‘extra’ through a special service, given as a gesture of good will and shared freely and equally with all, throughout the facility on a regular basis.

4) Great good will and excellent community relations are cemented: When a Humor Program is well-executed, performs on a regular basis and becomes known for this ‘work’ that-looks like “play” — it is positively memorable.

Certainly quality patient care is the greatest concern of any healthcare facility. A Humor Program in tandem with and supportive of the hosting organization serves as good will abassadors, and part of the wellness team through boosting immune systems and brightening the environment. Establishing a Humor Program is a winning combination for any forward-thinking healthcare entity wanting to set themselves apart from other facilities, and building positive reputation in the process.

Does your healthcare facility have a Humor Program?

Whatever stage of development or operation your Humor Program may be, there are lots of articles, resources, and links included on this site to assist. Please feel free to explore and check out what is offered here to help the cause of injecting Healing Humor in the healthcare setting.

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Here is a recommended book on Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting