Dartmouth Health Children's

04/18/2026

I recently helped a friend get ready for their CT scan, or as I like to call it, a donut picture.

A CT scan is a special kind of X-ray that takes pictures of the inside of the body. The machine looks a bit like a big donut, and the bed moves through it while the camera takes images. It does not hurt, but it can sound noisy and feel a little strange if it is your first time. My friend was feeling nervous about trying something new, so we visited the room together. I showed them how I can practice lying still on the bed and listened as the Child Life specialist explained what the machine does.

After learning what to expect, my friend felt a lot more comfortable and ready for their turn. A little preparation, a little reassurance, and a wagging tail can make a big difference.

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Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

04/17/2026

🏈 Get Your Tickets Now!

We’re excited to announce that tickets for the Dartmouth Health Children’s All-Star Football Game are officially on sale! Join us on Friday, June 26th at 6 PM for an unforgettable Friday Night Lights showdown presented by .

📍 Location: Grappone Stadium, Saint Anselm College
🎟️ Link in comments for tickets and information

The game will bring the state’s best graduating high school football players together for one incredible competition to raise critical awareness and funds for Dartmouth Health Children’s and the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (CHaD).

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Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

04/15/2026

While some traits can be part of being human, an autism diagnosis is based on how consistently differences in communication, adapting to change, and sensory processing impact daily life across different settings. Nina Sand-Loud, MD shares some more on understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

April is , a time to build a better understanding of autism spectrum disorder. Awareness is important, and acceptance is essential.

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Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

04/11/2026

We’re proud to support the Ad Council's Agree to Agree campaign, which encourages open and respectful conversations around fi****ms. Keith Loud, MD was recently featured in The Wall Street Journal for his work helping families make firearm injury prevention a routine part of pediatric care.

Dr. Loud reminds us that keeping kids safe isn’t just about treating illnesses, it’s about building trust and having conversations that protect families at home and in the community.

At Dartmouth Health Children's, we share that commitment, empowering families with information and support to make healthy, safe choices every day.

🔗 Read the full article here https://partners.wsj.com/ad-council/agree-to-agree/why-firearm-injury-prevention-is-a-part-of-patient-care/

How health care professionals can help lead discussions around keeping kids safe from firearm injuries.

04/10/2026

This April, we’re embracing the 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month theme: “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.”

Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness about the importance of safe, nurturing, and supportive environments for every child. It reminds us that by coming together as a community, we can prevent abuse before it happens.

We began the week with the 22nd Annual Shield Our Children from Harm Conference, hosted on April 7 by our Child Advocacy Protection Program (CAPP), Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) and The Family Place. Professionals from New Hampshire and Vermont came together to share best practices in the investigation, treatment, healing, and prevention of child maltreatment.

We’re closing out the week by joining communities across the country for , proudly showing our commitment to protecting children and strengthening families.

When families have the right support, they can build brighter futures for their children. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we can work together to prevent child abuse before it ever happens.

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NH Children's Trust Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Manchester Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Concord Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Nashua Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Dartmouth Health

04/08/2026

In January, the CDC updated its recommendations for pediatric vaccines. These differ from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) schedule that we follow at Dartmouth Health Children's.

We continue to recommend the hepatitis B vaccine at birth to help protect newborns. During pregnancy, moms are regularly tested for Hepatitis B to help find children who might be at high risk. The virus can be missed during testing, and if the child is not vaccinated, they are at risk for becoming extremely ill.

When it comes to vaccines, parents and caregivers make the final decision. We encourage you to speak directly with your child’s primary care provider to review current recommendations.

Visit the link in our comments to learn more.

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Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

04/04/2026

Mav is taking Molly’s Trolley for a spin. 🐾🚩

Some days come with a lot to carry, from bags to busy little ones. Turn your visit into an adventure. Molly’s Trolley lightens the load and makes it easier for families to get where they need to go while adding a bit of comfort and fun along the way.

Molly’s Trolley is a red wagon that lives in Molly’s Place at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center that families may borrow when they have a lot to carry or need a little help getting around. Strollers are also available for families to use. Stop in and ask about using one during your next visit!

Stop by Molly’s Place the next time you’re here, open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Dartmouth Health

04/01/2026

Children who experience trauma and scary thoughts might feel unsafe, anxious, or worried. The first step to helping is noticing and understanding their thoughts and how those thoughts make them feel. Thoughts are powerful, but they don’t have to control actions.

Navigating difficult experiences like this can be hard. For additional support, check out Behavior Bridge, a series of free, online programs designed for caregivers to support children's mental health. With a team of experts including mental health professionals, caregivers, kids and teens, we've created a place to learn skills and gain knowledge through short videos, handouts, resources, and more.

Visit the link in the comments to learn more

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Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

03/28/2026

🐾 A little distraction or fun tool can go a long way when a child is feeling anxious during their visit.

While this looks like a fun trick, showing off my music talents can be a great distraction for kids during lab draw, an encourager to get a patient to use their hands to make music during a PT/OT session, or a way to earn a smile from a child who is scared of the hospital environment.

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Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

03/27/2026

Dartmouth Health Home Care, formerly known as Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire (VNH), will continue the organization’s long history of serving patients in the Upper Valley region. We've rebranded our home healthcare and hospice service to better align its mission as part of the overall health system.

Operating in more than 140 cities and towns, Dartmouth Health Home Care delivers excellence in nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, and personal care services with proven effectiveness, integrity and compassion.

“We are one of the largest home care and hospice providers in New Hampshire and Vermont, proudly providing excellent, personalized and value-based care to thousands of patients in their homes, from birth through the end of life,” said Tammy L. Tarsa, MBA, BSN, RN, CEO and president of Dartmouth Health Home Care. “Our longstanding commitment to the region is illustrated by an extensive network of partnerships, our strong presence in dozens of local communities and the positive outcomes we help patients and families achieve.”

Dartmouth Health Home Care collaborates within the system to keep healthcare costs manageable, avoid lengthy hospitalizations, and increase the wellbeing of patients by bringing medical services directly to their homes. Staff work directly with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, Valley Regional Hospital and Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center, and plans to expand to other Dartmouth Health system members in the future.

Dartmouth Cancer Center | Dartmouth Health Children's

03/26/2026

Time is running out! The 2026 Honor a Caregiver campaign—and the matching gift challenge—will end on March 31. Send a message of thanks or a gift before time runs out!

All donations to the Honor a Caregiver campaign will be DOUBLED, up to $25,000, to support the greatest needs at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Join us before it’s too late! https://dhmcalumdev.hitchcock.org/giving/honor-a-caregiver

03/25/2026

Getting a “poke” or vaccine can feel uncomfortable and scary for children. Child Life Specialist Jillian Colbert shares simple ways to make the experience easier.

Preparing children by explaining what to expect can help reduce fear of the unknown. Offering choices like where to sit or what to hold gives them a sense of control, and bringing a favorite item from home can provide comfort and distraction.

If vaccines continue to feel especially challenging, consider speaking with your child’s pediatrician about additional support options.

Visit the link in the comments for more kids' health tips!

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Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center