Valley Children's launches 'Care in Every Curl' hair kit program for patients

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Valley Children's Healthcare has launched a new program designed to better meet the needs of patients with curly hair, offering customized hair care kits aimed at comfort and inclusion during hospital stays.

The initiative, called "Care in Every Curl," provides patients with specialty items tailored for curly hair textures. The kits include shampoo and conditioner, bonnets, detangling brushes and combs, wave caps and shower caps. Each package is customized by the patient.

"Our director saw a need. We only have standard supplies for our patients that are shared hospital-wide, so our team took on the project to bring in specialty items for patients with curly hair," said Brittany Meyer, explorer nurse manager.

The kits launched on Monday, according to hospital staff, with the long-term goal of making them available more broadly. Valley Children's Healthcare unit aid Marquita Parker said the effort is meant "to help support those in need of better hair care."

Tamara Farris-Wilson, who helped lead the program alongside Parker, said the kits address an often-overlooked part of patient care.

"Typically, people who have curly hair, we take real pride in our hair, so to have products like this that'll make them feel comfortable, make them feel seen and cared for, and it just makes you feel good."

The program was two years in the making and has already made an impact, according to Meyer.

"We gave it to a patient who was incredibly excited," Meyer said. "He put on multiple items. He put on a shower cap and a bonnet, and he just had a huge smile and loved all the products in the bag. So it was really special to see that."

Hospital leaders say the kits are currently being used on a post-surgical unit, with plans to expand access.

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