Games For Love Featured IN OPB News
This month, Oregon Public Broadcast (OPB) featured Games For Love’s play therapy program – GFLX!
This story begins with Sam Giles LeBlanc (pictured), the head of OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital’s Therapeutic Gaming Program.
Giles LeBlanc spoke with OPB about the positive impact of play therapy programs made possible by children’s charities like Games For Love.
LeBlanc emphasizes that gaming provides a much-needed escape for sick kids in unfamiliar, oftentimes scary, hospital environments.
He says, “If you’re stuck in a hospital bed all day every day, then to have this feeling of a whole world that you can explore, you know, it’s like books, but on a different level because you’re personally exploring that world.”
New research confirms the benefits of play therapy programs like GFLX.
OPB’s article also highlights recent research from the American Medical Association, indicating that video games may enhance children’s cognitive and social skills. This supports LeBlanc’s longstanding belief: “I am not a medical expert but I don’t think you need to be to see the good that comes from this.”
We’re equally convinced by the joy games bring to GFLX kids.
The smiles on the faces of our Games For Love Experience (GFLX) play therapy patients confirm LeBlanc’s thoughts too. Patients Chance and Lucas (pictured) at Doernbecher Hospital loved the new XBOX donated by Games For Love. Both Chance and Lucas are avid Minecraft players.
Play therapy has a profound impact on kids, which is why it’s an integral part of our core Program Ecosystem at Games For Love.
Glowing reviews from hospital staff, research highlighting gaming’s benefits, and smiles on the faces of kids – these are the outcomes we strive for with our GFLX program.
With a mere $1, we can expand our play therapy initiative to impact one more child.
To support, consider a donation to Games For Love.
