If you are interested in getting involved at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health as a Family Advisor, contact rileyfamilies@iuhealth.org. Remember that families can choose how and when to participate. Training and mentoring are provided for each family so they know what to expect, what to do, and how to be effective. We know life with children is complex. We will do our best to support you in whatever way you get involved.

Serve on Councils and Committees

Riley families are as different in their skills as they are in the reasons they come here for care. Some offer to assist us by serving on councils or committees within the hospital. Some committees are short-term and others ongoing. The Family Advisory Council, operating since 2009, is one example. Families are also represented on the Riley Patient Safety and Quality Council and the Family Centered Care Steering Committee. If you are interested in serving on a committee or council please contact rileyfamilies@iuhealth.org

Tell Your Story

Stories are powerful. Stories help shape who we are and how we treat each other. We ask families to tell their stories to nurses, doctors, therapists, social workers and others. These stories help health care providers learn how to communicate better with families. Stories help them learn to appreciate the effect of a sick child on all the members of the family. Some families tell their story to our Coordinator of Family Centered Care. Some write down their story and it is printed in our newsletters or put on our website. Some families are video-taped while they tell their story. The video is then used in educational settings. Others talk to staff in person as part of a class.

The families who want to tell their stories in educational settings are Family Faculty. These families are trained and mentored so they learn to tell their story in a variety of settings to different audiences. If you are interested in telling your story please contact rileyfamilies@iuhealth.org.

Attend Special Events

There are many events planned by IU Health, Riley Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and the Foundations for Riley and Methodist hospitals. Family Representatives represent Riley by coming to an event. Some examples of events include Colts or Pacers games, conferences, or dance marathons. Some events are spontaneous and others are planned months ahead of time. Public appearances show other people in the community the results of good medical care. It gives other families hope. If you want to be contacted to represent Riley at an event please contact rileyfamilies@iuhealth.org.

Help Educate

Hospitals have many educational programs for staff and families. Families help us make sure the materials we use make sense and are useful. Families have a special perspective. It is important to hear what has been helpful and what we might do differently. Families may volunteer to attend a focus group to share their ideas. Families may sign up to get emails of patient education material to review. Families who help educate are part of our E-Advisor and Focus Group Network. If you would like to help educate or learn more please contact rileyfamilies@iuhealth.org

Apply Now

Volunteer Application and notify rileyfamiles@iuhealth.org.