Garrett County Hosts First Graders

Each school year, Garrett County Memorial Hospital opens its doors to area first graders and gives them an opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at various areas of the hospital. The Children's Hospital Orientation Program for Schools (CHOPS) program is designed to familiarize children with the hospital and ease their fears about receiving medical treatment.

Students in the program begin their tour in the Emergency Room. Although it is subject
to change based on patient volume and conditions, students are usually able to visit the Radiology Department and the Family-Centered Maternity Suite. They also view a PowerPoint presentation on the Operating Room. Through the tour, they see firsthand how a cardiac monitor works, how blood pressures are taken and what their bones look like on x-ray film. They also receive a goodie bag with items that help them share their experience with others
at home.