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The Impact of Omicron on Kids and Children’s Hospitals

Before and after picture of a boy who recovered from COVID-19
Photo credit: WNBC New York

Early in the pandemic a common refrain was that COVID-19 did not really impact kids. Two years later we now know this isn’t the case.

The COVID-19 Omicron variant is contributing to increased strain on children’s hospitals. These hospitals are seeing a 50 percent increase in cases of COVID-19, and that’s just in the first week of 2022.

To offset the surge, member hospitals are using costly staffing agencies, calling upon the National Guard, postponing surgeries and converting non-care space, such as playrooms, into patient rooms.

And then there are the individual stories of kids battling COVID-19.

Eight-year-old Jorden was seemingly past the worst of his battle with COVID-19. Then the breathing problems started. His parents took him to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY, where he was diagnosed with MIS-C, a life-threatening condition affecting kids who’ve recently had COVID-19.

Hospital staff placed Jorden on a ventilator and then a heart-lung bypass machine. He even had to have heart surgery. Thankfully, Jorden made it through his battle and is now an ambassador for his hospital. Read more about his story here.

Now more than ever, children’s hospitals need donations to care for their patients and prepare for challenges to come. You can help by donating to your local member hospital today.