Pediatric patients at University Health receive robotic companions, along with a day full of festive activities, creating moments of joy and warmth.
COLUMBUS, Ga., Nov 17in 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Aflac, a leading provider of supplemental health insurance products in the US and a staunch supporter of families battling pediatric cancer and blood disorders, has delivered its acclaimed My special aflac duck children at the University Hospital in San Antonio. This event marks a significant moment in Aflac’s continued commitment to providing comfort and joy to young patients on their journeys.
The Ramirez family gives a thumbs up after receiving a Me Special Aflac Duck for cancer patient Natalia (r) at University Health in San Antonio, Texas.
The My special aflac duck, an innovative robotic companion, uses medical play, realistic movements and emotional emulation to interact and provide comfort to children undergoing treatment. Created in collaboration with over 100 children, families and healthcare professionals over 18 months, this animatronic duck serves as a key tool to help children manage the emotional aspects of their treatments. To date, more than 25,000 My special aflac ducks are delivered completely free of charge to children suffering from cancer and sickle cell.
“Our purpose at Aflac is deeply rooted in being there for our policyholders during life’s most difficult times. My special aflac duck it stands as a tangible symbol of that commitment,” he said Ines Rodriguez Gutzmer, Senior Vice President, Communications. Aflac Incorporated. “Witnessing the authentic smiles of children as they embrace a new companion on their journey fills our hearts, and we are thrilled to deliver this award-winning resource to children at University Health navigating the path of pediatric cancer or sickle cell disease.” cell disease”.
Children at the University Health Department participated in a My special aflac duck demonstrations and involved in challenges before receiving their very own robot companion. Patients and their families are invited to stay for the duck reveal party, enjoying a variety of activities such as making birth certificates and bead necklaces for their ducks, coloring and more.
“University Health and our partners at UT Health San Antonio are committed to improving outcomes for children facing cancer and sickle cell disease. “Our efforts include not only comprehensive medical care, but also therapeutic activities and emotional support,” he said Irene Sandate, Chief Nursing Officer, Women’s and Children’s University Health Hospital. “Our team of child life specialists helps children and their families understand and cope with challenging health events.” Specially adapted toys such as My special aflac duck they provide a comforting presence and a way for children to understand and respond to their treatments.”
My special aflac duck includes an interactive mobile app for virtual care, customizable soundscapes for soothing visuals and sounds, smart sensors for touch and awareness, calming heartbeat and breathing vibrations. Named the best exhibit at CES in Las Vegas and featured on Time magazine’s list of best inventions, the duck has been recognized for its innovative approach to pediatric care.
Health care providers, support organizations and families can order My special aflac duck free for children ages 3 and older diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at https://miduck.sproutel.com/famili/rekuest.
About AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NISE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has been helping provide financial protection and peace of mind for more than 68 years to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the US, Aflac is the #1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.1 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is a leading provider of cancer and health insurance policies in force. The company is proud to be there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 17 consecutive years, Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in the World for 22 years and Bloomberg’s Gender Equality Index for the fourth year in a row . In addition, the company became a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2022) for nine years. To find out how to get help for expenses not covered by health insurance, meet us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Investors can learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under “Sustainability”.
ABOUT UNIVERSITY HEALTHCARE
University Health is the only locally owned health system San Antonio. For more than 100 years, University Health has been here to heal, improve health, train the next generation of medical professionals and provide people San Antonio, Baker district i South Texas have access to primary and advanced specialty care close to home. Specialized services include the region’s only Level 1 trauma center for adults and children, as well as maternal and neonatal intensive care centers designated at the highest levels by the State of Texas. As the only academic health system in the region, University Health is a center of innovation and discovery, dedicated to providing patient-centered, culturally competent, high-quality, and compassionate care, based on a strong foundation of outcomes-based research and innovative teaching. Learn more at UniversityHealth.com.
1 LIMRA 2022 Report on the Total US Supplemental Health Insurance Market
Media contact for Aflac: Jon Sullivan706-763-4813 or [email protected]
Media contact for University Health: Shelley Kofler512-294-5224 or [email protected]
Analyst and Investor Contact for Aflac: David A. Young706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or [email protected]
SOURCE Aflac
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