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The nonprofit organization Healthy Humor’s Red Nose Docs have been bringing laughter and light to children in hospitals across America for several years. Healthy Humor was established in 2016, stemming from the renowned Big Apple Circus.
Dina Paul-Parks, the current CEO and co-founder, previously served as the Vice-President of Community Programs for the circus. Joining forces with Karen McCarty and Deborah Kaufmann, they have collectively amassed over 60 years of experience, which they now use to elevate the impact of the ‘Red Nose Docs’ of Healthy Humor.
In addition to serving over 600,000 children, the Red Nose docs also embark on “Vaudeville” visits, where they visit elderly residents in critical care. Through their humorous personalities and exaggerated interactions, they bring joy to elders with dementia who seldom engage with visitors. These visits enable the seniors to participate and have a good time.
Furthermore, the Red Nose Docs collaborate directly with healthcare professionals to enhance their interactions with young children. By assisting doctors and nurses in forming emotional connections with their patients, they alleviate stress for parents as well. The Red Nose Docs offer practical tips to aid these professionals while maintaining their professionalism, without the need for theatrical performances.
In its most recent endeavor, Healthy Humor implemented the Community Connections program. This initiative successfully connected middle school students in Harlem, New York, with local police officers, with the aim of fostering unity between communities of color and the police force.
To culminate the 8-week program, Healthy Humor organized a community pizza party at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Community Center. During this event, children and officers engaged in silly games, laughter, and bonding activities.
However, Healthy Humor’s outreach extends beyond hospitals. For three decades, the nonprofit has provided performers to The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp. This unique summer camp, established by Paul Newman, welcomes children battling illnesses and their families. Here, they can enjoy a traditional summer camp experience, supplemented with medical staff and specialized resources. Activities such as horseback riding and swimming are tailored to accommodate their specific needs.
Volunteers, including doctors and nurses, create cherished memories for children with severe illnesses and their families. Additionally, the camp offers weekend programs, a residential bereavement program for families who have lost a child, and even brings the CampOut van directly to families’ homes.
The CampOut van is dedicated to bringing the camp experience to children by offering home visits. Families can request these visits, and the van will provide them with camp-style activities and outings.
In a collaborative effort, Healthy Humor and The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp come together to bring smiles and laughter to kids and their families during challenging times.
Dina Paul-Parks, Healthy Humor Co-Founder and CEO, stated, “Joy and laughter have a transformative effect not only on the kids and families in our partner hospitals but also in crises outside of the hospital walls. We believe that they can help both officers and young individuals truly understand each other, access empathy, build trust, and connect across divides.”
Exciting events are in the works for the Healthy Humor organization. This includes a summer party with a celebrity guest, a national professional development conference for performers, and plans to expand their impact. The organization aims to establish new chapters in more cities and introduce new programs to cater to the needs of additional children and families.Learn more about Healthy Humor or The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp here.
