New Levi's Link Preop Sensory Bay open at McLaren Port Huron

McKenna Golat, Port Huron Times Herald
·3 min read
The Wilson Family and McLaren Port Huron staff cutting the ribbon for the new Levi's Link Preop Sensory Bay on May 7, 2024. The new preoperative room was designed to have a calming atmosphere for patients with special needs.
The Wilson Family and McLaren Port Huron staff cutting the ribbon for the new Levi's Link Preop Sensory Bay on May 7, 2024. The new preoperative room was designed to have a calming atmosphere for patients with special needs.

A new preoperative room at McLaren Port Huron that was designed to reduce anxiety for patients with special needs has been opened.

Through the generosity of Levi's Link and the Wilson Family, McLaren Port Huron has officially opened its first Levi's Link Preop Sensory Bay. The room was designed to provide a soothing and calming environment, free of visual and auditory stimulation that could affect people's nerves and anxiety. The room can be used by people of all ages that have special needs.

"Opening this was a dream come true," said Megan Wilson. "My heart is bursting with joy because I know how much of a difference this will make in the hospital experience for families."

Megan Wilson said the Levi's Link program has helped educate people in how to ask for accommodations they might need for special needs patients. She said opening of the New Levi's Link Preop Sensory Bay will help make health care more accessible for people with special needs.

Levi Wilson, 11, sitting in the new Levi's Link Preop Sensory Bay at McLaren Port Huron on May 7, 2024.
Levi Wilson, 11, sitting in the new Levi's Link Preop Sensory Bay at McLaren Port Huron on May 7, 2024.

The room was funded through donations totaling $125,000.

Levi's Link is a program established in 2018 to improve the hospital experience of patients with special needs. The program is named after Megan Wilson's 11-year-old son, Levi Wilson. He was diagnosed with Autism, apraxia of speech and a sensory processing disorder at 2 years old.

The new Levi's Link Preop Sensory Bay has many features that can help make patients more comfortable during their hospital stay including a noise machine, light dimmer and a one-way mirrored door that masks the hallway to the patient, while allowing staff to see into the room.

The room also has a toy table, TV and an iPad available. Patients will also be given a stuffed lion and a sensory kit.

Patients will be able to request the room during the phone call they receive before preoperative care. The Levi's Link Preop Sensory Bay can immediately start housing patients.

A plaque displaying the name for the new Levi's Link Preop Sensory Bay at McLaren Port Huron on May 7, 2024.
A plaque displaying the name for the new Levi's Link Preop Sensory Bay at McLaren Port Huron on May 7, 2024.

"During those calls, we ask if there are any special needs the patient wants accommodated that way, we have a plan before they come in," said Beth Warczinsky, director of Surgical Services at McLaren Port Huron.

Since its inception, Levi's Link has raised over $310,000 for the Levi's Link Special Needs Programs at McLaren Port Huron and McLaren Greater Lansing.

People who want to further support Levi's Link can do so by registering for the Levi's Link Run. People can run either a 10K, 5K or one mile at Koenig Materials, located at 1955 East Lakeville Road in Oxford. The event will benefit the Levi's Link special needs programs at McLaren Port Huron and McLaren Greater Lansing hospitals. The run takes place on May 19.

Registration can be found at www.runwithlevi.com. People can register up to the day of the event.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com.

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This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Port Huron McLaren Levis Link preoperational room