Family Partners Program
At UNC Children’s, we aim to create a supportive and collaborative space where families can connect and help each other. Our goal is to strengthen family bonds while contributing to the success of UNC Children's Hospital. We work to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families both in the hospital and in the community. We value and encourage family involvement in all aspects of their child’s care, working together to enhance the hospital’s excellence and progress. If you'd like to formally share your experiences, consider joining the UNC Children’s Family Partner Program as a volunteer. This program allows families to work directly with us to improve the care experience for all families at UNC Children’s. Below are the team names and the ways Family Partners can get involved and help us further our mission:
- Cardiac
- Hematology/Oncology
- NICU
- Operations and Access
- Teen Empowerment
Family Advisory Council (FAC)
The Family Advisory Council (FAC) allows patient families to voice their opinions and provide feedback to hospital leaders on various projects, policies, and programs. FAC members are caregivers whose children have received care at UNC. The council also includes UNC staff from different disciplines who are dedicated to delivering family-centered care. The Family Advisory Council convenes monthly from September through June. Participating in focus groups: Family Partners have the opportunity to participate in focus groups to give feedback or suggest solutions for the planning of our new children’s hospital.
Peer to Peer Mentoring
Peer to Peer Mentoring connects experienced parent volunteers, who have firsthand knowledge of caring for a child with specific health conditions, with new families seeking advice and emotional support of like experiences. The mentors offer their personal insights, share practical information, and help families feel less isolated during their journey. Through this supportive network, parents can gain valuable coping strategies, learn about hospital resources, and build meaningful connections within the hospital community.
Corporate Perks
Corporate Perks is a parent-led initiative to create community-based networks of families linked to corporations to creates partnerships to offer free services and benefits to families at the hospital. Parent volunteers, who work at or have ties to major companies, work to connect with their corporate contacts. This collaboration allows the hospital to provide perks like free meals, discounted stays, hospitality enhancements, entertainment options, and other useful services to families during their hospital visit. This program supports families and strengthens the hospital's connections with the community and corporate partners.
Family Partners should possess:
- Enthusiasm for UNC Children’s family-centered care initiatives.
- The capacity to listen to and comprehend diverse viewpoints.
- A positive outlook. Experience as a caregiver to a pediatric patient at one or more UNC locations.
- The ability to work effectively and creatively in collaboration.
- The commitment to confidentiality.
- The capability to share their experiences and insights in a fair and impartial manner.
Make a Gift
The Family Partners Program needs your help to continue making a difference in the experience of our patients and their families. If you would like to support the Family Advisory Board, please visit the UNC Children’s secure fundraising website and choose the Program you would like to support.
Office of External Affairs
919-843-3948
Your investment in the Family Partners Program helps us uphold our mission to serve patient families and the dedicated staff at UNC Children’s.
Becoming a Family Partner
If you are interested in becoming a part of our Family Partner Program, please click the application link below, or contact us at FamilyPartners@med.unc.edu.
