Spring 2008:
Rx Laughter and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health:

Rx Laughter and the Edelman West Side Mental Health Clinic of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, is holding a therapeutic and educational workshop on May 22, 2008. Clients, the general public and mental health staff will be attending. The topic is "Dating and Romance." Check back for more news about this event and future events of this kind in the near future.

We invite mental health clinics in other counties and states to contact us for further information at RxLProject@aol.com or by calling us at 805 927 4197 PST.

Pilot Project - Rx Laughter at UCLA Pediatric Hematology Oncology Infusion Clinic
In early 2008, we developed and implemented a pilot project at this clinic for pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy and other infusion treatments. Pre Med students volunteered their time and talents to Rx Laughter to help the child and family through painful and traumatic infusion treatments. The volunteers worked with nurses and child life staff on behalf of Rx Laughter, and learned how to work within a clinical setting in this way. We consider this pilot project a great success and we appreciate the support of Theodore B. Moore MD, the Clinical Director of Pediatric Hematology Oncology at UCLA.

Rx Laughter - Pediatric Therapeutic Care: Past, Present and Future:

Video Soundbites - Rx Laughter in action

photo of pediatric patient at UCLA taking
part in Rx Laughter therapeutic project.
Photo courtesy of Leslie Barton Photography for Rx Laughter

Through our multi year research with the UCLA Pediatric Pain Program and The UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center, we have learned that children do indeed tolerate pain better during medical treatments if they can watch comforting, humorous videos during the painful procedure. This research collaboration suggests that viewing enjoyable entertainment is a potent prescription for pediatric pain and fear: This research was published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine medical journal in October, 2007.

Thus, Rx Laughter has put this research into practical use for pediatric patients with cancer and other serious & painful medical conditions:

Practical Usage for Pediatric Patients: Accomplishments thus far:
For the past several years, Rx Laughter has implemented and overseen the "Rx Laughter closed circuit comedy Channel" at the Mattel Children's Hospital @UCLA for Pediatric patients in 2 units: Pediatric Critical Isolation Unit (Hematology Oncology inpatients) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

There, we showed a range of age-appropriate, distracting, enjoyable videos to pediatric and teen patients under the supervision of Rx Laughter volunteers with cooperation and support of the nurses and the Clinical Director of Pediatric Hematology Oncology.The reaction was positive from the patients and their families. Results: Renewed spirit, emotional comfort and relief from pain.

The black and white photo on top of this page was photographed exclusively for Rx Laughter, Courtesy of Leslie Barton Photography. No reproduction or usage of any other kind elsewhere is permitted. Thank you.