Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation is proud to announce it has received a generous grant from the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation through its Connecting Joy program. The funding, totaling nearly $150,000, will support the installation of innovative gaming and media technology in the Pediatric Emergency Department's Behavioral Health Unit at Hackensack Meridian K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital.
This grant will fund the installation of five CoWin Halo interactive media walls from vendor Recornect. These secure, wall-mounted digital screens are designed to de-escalate stress and provide therapeutic engagement for children and teens in high-stress psychiatric and mental health situations. The technology will benefit the estimated 2,500 young patients who receive care in the unit annually.
"We are profoundly grateful to the Dunkin' Connecting Joy program for this impactful grant, which will significantly enhance our ability to provide compassionate, state-of-the-art care to our youngest and most vulnerable patients," said Joyce P. Hendricks, president and chief development officer of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. "For those experiencing a behavioral health crisis, these therapeutic moments of joy are especially critical, and this grant allows our clinicians to care for children in a more meaningful and impactful way."
Children arriving at the emergency department for behavioral health reasons often have personal items, including electronic devices, removed for safety. The CoWin Halo walls will provide a safe and approved way for these patients to access entertainment and relaxation tools such as games, music, drawing and videos. This helps to reduce anxiety, promote a sense of control and support emotional regulation during their stay. The interactive touchscreens also allow for secure video communication between patients and care teams, as well as with their families.
“These media walls will make a world of difference for our young patients, who deserve every opportunity to relax during a stressful time in their lives,” said Vito Buccellato, president and chief hospital executive of Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “We’re excited that Dunkin’ Connecting Joy has chosen to partner with us to bring joy to so many young people who come to our hospital, which U.S. News & World Report has ranked as the top children's hospital in New Jersey."
The grant is part of the Dunkin' Connecting Joy initiative, which brings the power of gaming and virtual programming to pediatric patients in children's hospitals across the country. The program aims to provide positive distractions and a sense of normalcy and connection for children coping with illness and hospitalization.
“The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation is all about giving back to kids who need it most. We know that being in a hospital can be scary and overwhelming. By supporting incredible organizations like Hackensack Meridian Health, Dunkin’ and our franchisee community have a chance to give back and bring moments of happiness to kids when they need it most,” said Dwar Patel, a New Jersey-based Dunkin’ franchisee and Joy in Childhood Foundation board member.
The new technology will be integrated as part of a planned redesign of the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital Pediatric Behavioral Health Unit, which is slated to begin construction in the summer of 2026. Stacy Doumas, M.D., chair of Psychiatry at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, will oversee the program's implementation.
"We are grateful for our partnership with the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation to support children and teens in crisis," said Dr. Doumas. "This technology helps children feel connected and reduces stress during a difficult time. With the growing need for behavioral health support for children and adolescents, we are thankful for partners like Dunkin' who help us meet these critical needs.”
To learn how you can support K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, or to make a donation, visit GiveHMH.org/KHCH.