Seacrest Foundation Donates Media Center

PHILADELPHIA — The Ryan Seacrest Foundation has selected The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as the latest site for construction of The Voice, an interactive closed-circuit broadcast multimedia center.

The Voice provides young patients in hospitals with an outlet to engage in activities related to radio, television and new media, ranging from broadcasting like a disc jockey to watching live artists perform and interviewing celebrities.

The initiative aims to “contribute positively to the healing process for children and their families during their stay by developing these centers to bring an uplifting spirit to the hospital community,” according to a statement by the organization.

“Throughout my 20-year career in the entertainment business, I’ve toured many hospitals and have consistently been amazed by the courage of children and their families in light of the hardships they face,” said Ryan Seacrest, who recently launched the nonprofit organization that works to enhance the quality of life of seriously ill and injured children through programs that utilize multimedia and interactive platforms.

“Recognized as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country, I am thrilled to bring our program to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,” Seacrest said. “Not only is The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia leading pediatric clinical and research innovation, it is a national leader in developing techniques to support the patient’s emotional well-being. The Voice will be a new addition to their existing Child-Life programs and will provide a lively form of interactive entertainment.”

Scheduled to open this summer, The Voice will be located in the Main Hospital’s Colket Atrium and will involve students from local journalism schools, colleges and universities to provide an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in broadcasting, programming and operating a multimedia center.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country, ranking third in National Institutes of Health funding. The 516-bed hospital has been recognized as a leading advocate for children and adolescents.