Family & Child Life Services Department Special Events

What You Need to Know About Providing a Special Event

Before applying to sponsor a special event at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, please review the following basic requirements.

• All special event requests will be screened in advance after an application has been submitted using the online form below. After the event request is reviewed, you will be contacted. We cannot guarantee that every event application will be approved.
• All events will be hosted by a hospital representative who will also review special event guidelines prior to the event.
• All special event guests must be at least 18 years old.
• All special events will take place in public areas of the hospital. We do not allow special events on the inpatient units/floors.
• Please limit the length of all presentations to a maximum of 60 minutes.
• Special events are often attended by patient's siblings and families. Think of ways to involve people of all ages and abilities in the event.
• Give away items will be screened ahead of time for suitability.
• Due to a variety of dietary restrictions, food and beverages are not allowed.
• If the event involves a photo and/or video element, or you would like to invite news media, please contact the UH Media Relations Department at 216-767-8564, and let us know on the application form below. Due to patient privacy, photos and/or videos of patients, families, and staff are not allowed without prior written consent.
• UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital serves a diverse population. All special events should have no religious, political, or violent content.
• If you or a member of your group is not feeling well, please do not come to the hospital and consider rescheduling your event. For children who are ill enough to be hospitalized, even a cold can be life-threatening.
• Frequent handwashing is important as the best way to prevent the spread of germs.
• Plan activities ahead of time that have value to the patients. Keep in mind the patients are sick, and their attendance at special events is never guaranteed. However, please plan to have more supplies than you think you may need.
• Dress comfortably and appropriately for visiting a children's hospital. NO tank tops, shorts, jeans, open toed shoes/sandals, or shirts with offensive language or imagery.
• Patient and family privacy is very important. What you see here and hear here, stays here when you leave here. To say anything is to say too much.