PlayMG, makers of the first dedicated pocketable Wi-Fi Android app gaming system for young people, donated 25 MG gaming systems to the Chase Child Life department at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital on Dec. 20.
Some of the units will be distributed as gifts to hospitalized children over the holidays. Other games will be used throughout the year by the Child Life specialists to provide fun for patients at the bedside or help provide distraction while a patient waits for a medical procedure.
According to the San Diego-based company, "MG" stands not only for "more game," but it also stands for "more good."
"We structured our company so that the launch of MG would also serve as the kickoff to our 'more good' effort," said PlayMG founding partner Geoffrey DeStefano. "PlayMG is not only comprised of technology, game and social industry veterans, but parents, who strongly believe in supporting youth causes and sharing the happiness and fun MG's 'more game' provides."
For more information on PlayMG, please visit www.playmg.com.
The Chase Child Life program at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital is staffed by child life specialists who are part of an interdisciplinary, family-centered model of care. They focus on the social, emotional and developmental needs of hospitalized children by communicating accurate and age-specific information, identifying potential stressors, and planning and practicing coping strategies. UCLA's program offers a variety of specialized services, including therapeutic intervention (including music, dance and art therapy and medical play); pre-hospitalization visits for children and their families; developmental preparation and support before, during and after medical procedures; supervision of the children's playroom, state-of-the-art teen lounge and family resource room; organization of special events that entertain and engage children and families; and much more. Established in 1968, UCLA's program was one of the first of its kind in the country and continues to be a model for other medical centers.
