Southern Colorado Donor Supports Medical Simulation

Every October, Great Clips stylists and managers raise money by educating their salon customers about the cause for which they are raising money – children’s health. Over the past two years the money raised was used to provide funding for medical simulation exercises.

Medical simulation allows for Children’s Colorado medical professionals to practice their specialties and identify problems in conditions that mimic the hospital environment.

“Expectations for good outcomes and minimized risk are the standard for our profession. Simulation allows us to train members of the medical team on the important steps, mechanics, and communication of patient care before ever having to approach a patient,” says Michael Wittkamp, MD, who works in the pediatric intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Simulations may range from simpler tasks, such as best practices for wound dressing changes and lines, to highly complex, interdisciplinary treatments involving multiple care teams and hospital systems.

“Medical simulation allows us to ask questions and try new skills and approaches before they ever reach the clinical realm,” says Dr. Wittkamp. “Simulation provides a safe space for professionals to learn, grow and improve so that they are ready to deliver the best care possible when working with patients and their families. Philanthropy helps make all of this possible.”

Supporting the local community is deeply rooted in the Nevans franchise, which is owned by Frank Evans. He says, “people give to people, not causes,” which highlights the culture Frank and his late wife, Jane, have created with his salon staff to engage their customers in supporting Children’s Colorado.

Over the years, funds raised by Great Clips have provided neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) equipment, a panoramic x-ray for the cleft palate clinic, infusion bays and rooms in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, social work programs and most recently, a medical simulation program.

Since it started, the grassroots effort has raised over $600,000 for patients, families and team members at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs. All donated funds stay in southern Colorado and help Children’s Colorado provide care for kids and families closer to home.