RED BANK – Coping with the loss of a loved one is never easy, especially for young children. For more than 32 years, the Children’s Art Therapy Program at Riverview Medical Center, part of the Meridian Pediatric Network, has been providing support groups for children who have experienced an illness or death in the family.
Five young teens, having experienced losses of their own, were given the chance to create a video animation for use in helping younger children deal with the loss of a loved one. The teens worked in conjunction with Small Factory Productions in Fair Haven and created the inspirational short film Tyler’s Reef.
Small Factory Productions was recently presented with an Emmy for children’s programming at the 55th Annual New York Emmy Awards Gala. Riverview will host an Emmy-themed red carpet event in honor of the film’s success and the five teenagers who have made a difference in the lives of countless young adults dealing with grief.
“It’s a huge honor to win an Emmy Award for Excellence in Children’s Programming,” said Chris Dudick, executive producer, Small Factory Productions. “We are so excited that Riverview has chosen to honor the creators of Tyler’s Reef in this special way and hopefully our award and awareness of the amazing work being done at the Children’s Art Therapy Program at Riverview will expand the program to help more children tap into the arts for healing and learning.”
The event will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 12, in the newly opened Joan and Robert Rechnitz Conference and Education Center at Riverview Medical Center on the 5th floor of the Blaisdell Pavilion.
There will be a special screening of the short film and a question-and-answer session with the teens following the film. Refreshments will be served.
The event is free but registration is required by Monday, July 9, and may be completed by calling Marian Haase at 732-962-7493 or mhaase@meridianhealth.com.
To learn more about the Children’s Art Therapy Program at Riverview Medical Center, visit www.RiverviewMedicalCenter.com.
