VIDEO: Building a More Inclusive Workplace -- Reflections on Breaking Ice and Beyond
This month, hundreds of Cook Children's employees had the opportunity to experience a truly impactful performance: Breaking Ice. This powerful theatrical presentation explored themes of diversity, inclusion, and belonging in a way that resonated deeply with many.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with employees describing the experience as moving, impactful, and eye-opening. It was a chance to see ourselves reflected on stage and to consider how our own experiences might shape our interactions with others.
At Cook Children's, we believe in fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Breaking Ice was a powerful step in that direction, and we're committed to ongoing learning and growth.
Happy Birthday Cook Children's
Cook Children's turned 106 years old on March 21. The very first children's hospital in Fort Worth opened with 30 beds, and for more than a century, we have worked to fulfill our Promise to provide the best of medical care for every child in the area.
A Total Eclipse in the Heart of Texas: Here’s What You Need to Know
"Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun.
But mama, that’s where the fun is.”
– Bruce Springsteen, “Blinded by the Light”
On April 8 at around 1:30 p.m. locally, you will be one of around 31.6 million people cast into total darkness as a solar eclipse travels across portions of the United States.
This marks the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. until 2044, so we understand you wanting to be part of such a historic occasion.
At the same time, we want to make sure everyone is safe and we take care of our patients.
During the eclipse, we will have viewing locations on the North and South lawn and Dillard Garden at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth. For Prosper and other Cook Children’s locations, please find a safe viewing location on campus.
Along with wearing proper eyewear to protect yourself, what does it mean to be safe?
Most importantly, stay out of the streets or common walkways.
Do not block any fire lanes or entrances.
Make sure your patients are not left alone and do not let them look directly into the sun.
It’s Almost Time for Slime!
The 9th Annual Cook Children's Slime-A-Doc event will take place as an early National Doctors’ Day celebration at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27 at the Medical Center-Fort Worth.
This year, we've added a special category that includes advanced practice providers.
Visit this page to place your vote for which physician, nurse, child life specialist, administration staff member and advanced practice provider you want to see covered in green slime! Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 25.
Grab your T-shirt: Slime-A-Doc t-shirts are for sale in the Under the Peaks retail store at the Medical Center-Fort Worth, and will be available for purchase at the event on Wednesday, March 27. Adult and youth sizes are available.
Microsoft Teams Update
On Wednesday, March 27, the new upgrade to Microsoft Teams will be available across our health care system. The new version will set us up for the future of Teams as Microsoft continues to develop this product.
Teams will continue to launch with a default to the current (“Classic”) version. You will have the option to toggle between the Classic version, and the “New Teams” version while you get used to the changes. Starting in early April, people using physical desktops will switch to only having New Teams available. Those using virtual desktops (people who use shared computer terminals that multiple people sign into) will make the full switch starting in early May,
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are proud to highlight Cheryl Petersen, RN, MBA, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President for Nursing and Patient Services at Cook Children’s. She has served in this role since 2015 and prior to this role was Assistant Vice President of Nursing and Nursing Director for 21 years.
We are so proud that Cheryl is the President-Elect of Texas Organization of Nursing Leadership, sharing her expertise with nurse leaders from across our state at this important time.
Many children and teens experience moments that cause them to feel anxious, depressed or even suicidal. It can be hard to know when to ask for help or where to find support. Teams at Cook Children's worked together to compile a comprehensive page of behavior and emotion resources to assist patient families and our community with mental and behavioral health issues, including knowing when to ask for help, find support or who to talk to.
“Float” on over the Medical Center-Fort Worth Atrium from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, for an Employees Care Coke float thank you event. We want to celebrate and express our gratitude to YOU, our current Employees Care donors.
Major League Baseball Opening Day is coming up. Wear your MLB jerseys or other baseball attire to support your favorite team on March 28 to 31.
Tickets are now available for Cook Children's Weekend at the Ballpark. Due to website issues, it appeared that tickets had been sold out. This issue has been fixed and the site is up and running now. Please note, once tickets are sold out, they're gone so please be sure to purchase them now.
Cook Children's Weekend at the Ballpark starts on Friday, May 17 and runs through Sunday, May 19 during the Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels home stand at Globe Life Field.
First pitch times:
7:05 p.m. on May 17
6:05 p.m. on May 18
1:35 p.m. on May 19
Child Life: Celebrating Its 45th Anniversary
To commemorate this milestone, Ashley Pagenkopf, MS, CCLS, a Child Life Specialist in the Emergency Department at Cook Children’s, walks us through the history of child life services and provides an overview of what child life specialists do each day.
“When I think of how far child life has come as a profession, I am so proud to be a part of not only this profession but specifically the Child Life Department here at Cook Children’s,” Ashley said.
Sign up is open now for a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, April 8 in Family Support Room A & B in the Medical Center-Fort Worth. Find a time here.
Hand hygiene: Preliminary results suggest use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer has been widely accepted by health care workers at Cook Children's. Read more here.
Join us for The Blast, our annual 5K walk benefiting pediatric cancer research and treatments. On April 6, we’ll gather at Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth to celebrate with patients who have won their battle, encourage patients who are in treatment, and honor the precious children who will never be forgotten. Sign up here www.theblastwalk.org , and use code CCHCS10 for $10 off your registration.
Cook Children's turned 106 years old on March 21. The very first children's hospital in Fort Worth opened with 30 beds, and for more than a century, we have worked to fulfill our Promise to provide the best of medical care for every child in the area.
"Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are proud to highlight Cheryl Petersen, RN, MBA, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President for Nursing and Patient Services at Cook Children’s. She has served in this role since 2015 and prior to this role was Assistant Vice President of Nursing and Nursing Director for 21 years. 
Many children and teens experience moments that cause them to feel anxious, depressed or even suicidal. It can be hard to know when to ask for help or where to find support. Teams at Cook Children's worked together to compile a comprehensive page of behavior and emotion resources to assist patient families and our community with mental and behavioral health issues, including 
The new Aim for Safety Newsletter serves as a way of keeping you up to date on recent activities, upcoming events, and news from our partners. 
