Mural Eases Children's Anxiety During Blood Draws

Valley Health Diagnostic Center started the year with a new glow-in-the-dark mural intended to ease the fear of children nervous about getting their blood drawn.

The mural is a jungle scene painted by local muralist Sarah Gallahan, who incorporated a river, fish and jungle animals into the painting. When children come into the room, phlebotomists can turn out the lights and the room will glow. They can then wear a headlamp to draw the child’s blood.

The project was made possible by the Valley Health Foundations.

“It’s exciting for the Foundation to support something so creative to engage anxious patients and their parents while necessary tests are done,” says Jenny Grooms, executive director of Valley Health Foundations. “The idea to incorporate glow-in-the-dark paint came from Winchester Medical Center President, Tonya Smith. Bringing that idea to life throughout the room and giving our team another tool in their toolbox highlights the bridge philanthropy is meant to be.”

President Tonya Smith came up with the idea for the mural after reading about another health system doing something similar a few years ago. “I thought a glow-in-the-dark mural would make for a fun and special experience for children anxious about getting their blood drawn,” says Smith. “I’m also hopeful parents will enjoy a smoother lab visit with their child as a result. Thanks to the Foundations and muralist Sarah Gallahan, we are able to improve our patient experience and help ease some of the fear that kids might have about going to the hospital.”

Gallahan has painted other murals at Winchester Medical Center, including one of flowers in the Breast Center lobby.

For more information or questions about Valley Health Foundations and its projects, call 540-536-6939 or email donations@valleyhealthlink.com.