Ready, set, play! New therapeutic gaming program connects young patients with community, creativity, and healing

Video games bring people together every day.

For children staying at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, games also provide fun and healing during difficult moments. Rachel Medrano joined the Child Family Life Services team at the beginning of as our hospital’s first therapeutic gaming and technology specialist, a role designed to help patients cope by connecting them with video games they love. We’re the first hospital in Minnesota to provide dedicated care in the emerging field of video game therapy.

Medrano’s new role is supported by a grant from Child’s Play Charity, an organization endowed by the gaming community and devoted to improving the lives of children and teens during hospital stays. Medrano, an avid gamer, learned about the organization during her yearly visits to a gaming convention, and was eager to become involved.

“I’ve always loved video games,” Medrano said. “I have childcare experience from working in a daycare facility and as a nanny. This role blended the two things I love together.”