The Johns Hopkins All Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute provides a variety of resources to help patients and their families understand and prepare for long-term health and happiness.

Treatment for childhood cancer and blood disorders can mean extended hospital stays and care that lasts for years. At Johns Hopkins All Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, we understand that the process can feel overwhelming for families. We’re here to help.

Our compassionate team is ready to guide you throughout your child’s treatment. We’re dedicated to helping patients and their families feel more comfortable — and less anxious — as they navigate this journey.

Whether your child has just been diagnosed or is years into remission, we offer resources to meet your needs.

Support Services We Offer

The Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute offers invaluable support services. While your child is in our care, you and your family will have access to:

• Patient and family relations specialists: Your patient and family relations specialist will assist your family throughout your child’s hospital stay. They serve as a liaison between families and the medical staff. They answer your questions and resolve concerns about your child’s care.
• Child psychology: Our Center for Behavioral Health has a child psychologist dedicated to working with patients at the Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute. They help patients and families learn coping skills to help them deal with developmental and behavioral challenges that arise during treatment. Learn more about the Center for Behavioral Health.
• Child Life specialists: We have two Child Life specialists who work with children receiving cancer or blood disorder treatment. They provide support and education to help your child understand what to expect before, during and after treatment. Find out more about our Child Life specialists.
• Academic support: Extended hospital stays can make school a challenge for children receiving cancer or blood disorder treatment. We provide academic assistance for children while they are in the hospital. This support helps ease the transition when your child is ready to return to school.
• Palliative care: Our pediatric palliative care experts work with patients throughout treatment. They help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Learn more about palliative care.
• Social worker: Our unit has a dedicated social worker to assist families. They can connect you to organizations that can provide financial and other support.
• Housing: There are three Ronald McDonald Houses within walking distance of our hospital. They provide temporary local housing for families who have a child in our care. Learn more about the Ronald McDonald House.
• Family events: We organize events, such as group dinners, to promote a sense of community among cancer patient families. These events are open to families who have a child receiving either inpatient or outpatient care. 

Information About Our Hospital

Learn more about our hospital’s Patient and Family Resources and Inpatient Family Guide.