The Kennedy Krieger Patient Experience and Community Engagement department provides support, activities and resources for families, employees and those in the community.

We value the importance of patient and family centered care, which is understanding and respecting each family’s unique needs and preference, partnering with them as a member of the care team and providing individualized care.  We collaborate with community organizations, providers and patient groups to identify meaningful engagement opportunities.

Jamie Kurman, director of Patient and Community Engagement, leaps and high fives the Oriole Bird.

The department can provide:

  • Patient Advocate
  • Accommodations for patients, families and visitors
  • Donated items the patients, families and programs within the Institute
  • Community engagements events/Volunteer opportunities

Patient Advocate

The patient advocate is a non-medical, neutral, and impartial liaison who supports open communication with patients, their families and the healthcare team.  The patient advocate can assist with helping the patient and their family obtain the information they need to make informed decisions about their health care.  The patient advocate can assist the patient and their family by:

  • Answering questions.
  • Arranging support and accommodations as needed.
  • Providing support when navigating through the health care system.
  • Connecting with the appropriate staff to assist with concerns to make decisions about their health care. 

Accommodations for patients, families and visitors: 

We provide patients, their families and visitors with reasonable accommodations and access to our facilities, services and equipment. If you or a family member require accommodations or have a support need (e.g., related to hearing, speech, cognition, vision, physical access or other), please contact the Patient Experience and Community Engagement department at 443-923-2640.

Please note: Any concerns, complaints or grievances about your experience at Kennedy Krieger will be referred to Patient Relations. 

Community Engagement/Volunteers & In-Kind Donor Opportunities

For more information on how to get your company or organization involved, contact the Engagement Team at 410-923-7300 or email us at Engagement@KennedyKrieger.org?

In-Kind Donor Opportunities

Donated toys and basic necessity items help our patients, families and students who are coping with a hospital admission and/or experience financial challenges. 

In order to maintain a safe environment for our patients and families, all donations must follow these guidelines.  We do not accept:

  • Used (including gently used) toys or clothing.  Donations must be brand new, odor-free in the original packaging.
  • Stuffed animals, unless they are sealed in the manufacture’s packaging or shipped directly from a store.
  • Collector items that have been gathered and stored over a significant period of time (sports cards, beanie babies, etc.)
  • Items containing latex
  • Violent themed items (containing guns, knives, swords, blood, etc.)
  • Gift wrapped items (items will be unwrapped prior to being given to patients)
  • Religious themed items or messages
  • Used books

Drives/Collections:

We always appreciate donations of baby essentials, toys, games, crafts, travel-size toiletries and other supplies.  If you are interested in coordinating a drive or hosting an event to collect items, please contact Patient Experience and Community Engagement at 443-923-2640 or click here to email.

Schedule a donation drop-off

Donations must be scheduled by appointment.  To schedule, please contact Patient Experience and Community Engagement at 443-923-2640.

Please note: Drop off donations will not be allowed to be hand out directly to patients and families.  Our staff will accept the donation and distribute to the appropriate program for dissemination. 

Community Engagement/Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering as a group is one of the most impactful ways to inspire unity within a team while giving back to the community! 

Volunteer opportunities at the hospital:

  • Pet Therapy
  • Entertainment/Performances for patients
  • Host an event/activity for our patient and families living in the hospital

For more information on how to get your company or organization involved, contact Patient Experience and Community Engagement at 443-923-2640.

Companies/Organization Group Volunteering: 

Volunteering as a group is one of the most impactful ways to inspire unity within a team while giving back to the community! 

Events

There are a variety ways to get involved with social and fundraising events. For more information click here and/or visit our events calendar.