Family Connection

For parents and families of patients, hospital stays have the potential for great stress and confusion. The Family Connection Center is a relaxing environment designed around the needs of the family.

Open Weekdays
8:00am - 5:30pm

The Family Connection Center

A place where you can:

• Receive information about Driscoll and community services available to you and your family
• Find the information you need to help your child maintain good health
• Check out books and magazines
• Have a cup of free coffee and relax

A dedicated staff member will be available to determine if you are eligible for:

• Meal assistance through our food pantry
• Personal items through our toiletry and clothing pantry
• Bus tokens and bus routes
• Local lodging opportunities
• Information about Medicaid meal tickets, transportation, or lodging assistance
• And more!

Food Services

• The Driscoll Food Factory (Cafeteria) is located in the basement. Dial (361) 694-6368 for our daily menu.
• McDonald's Restaurant is located on the first floor in the main lobby near the gift shop. It is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Vending machines are located in the basement outside the Driscoll Food Factory, on the second floor by the PICU waiting area and on the third floor in the NICU waiting area. Vending machines are available 24 hours-a-day. Free coffee and microwaves are located on every in-patient floor.

Meal Assistance

Medicaid Meal Tickets

If your child receives Medicaid and you live out of town, you may qualify for help with meals while your child is in the hospital. Medicaid has specific guidelines that they use to determine who is eligible for meal assistance. Call today to see if you qualify (800) 633-8747. If Medicaid authorizes meal ticket(s), you can pick them up in The Family Connection, 361-694-5058 or call 361-694-5053 for a Social Worker. Medicaid meal tickets may be used at the Driscoll Children's Hospital Food Factory located on the lower level.

Breastfeeding Meal Tickets

Mothers who are breastfeeding (not supplementing) a child may qualify for Breastfeeding Meal Tickets through the Food and Nutrition Department. Ask your nurse or dietitian to see if you qualify. Breastfeeding Meal Tickets may be used in the Driscoll Children's Hospital Food Factory located on the lower level. If you need a breast pump, please check with your nurse.

Food Pantry

If the parent at the bedside does not qualify for a Medicaid or breastfeeding meal ticket, The Family Connection has a small food pantry that can help provide a needed meal during your child's hospitalization. Items include things you would find in your own kitchen: soups, crackers, granola bars, cereal, cereal bars, etc.

Transportation Assistance

Medical transportation is a service provided through Medicaid by their Transportation Department. Bus tickets, gas assistance, or taxi pick-up/drop-off may be available by contacting (877) 633-8747. Call to see if you qualify for these services.

Lodging Program

Medicaid lodging for out of town families with a child in intensive care

If your child is in one of our intensive care units and you live more than 50 miles away, you may qualify for a hotel room through the Medicaid program. Medicaid has guidelines to determine who is eligible. Call today to explore this option at (877) 633-8747. Medicaid has contracts with: Ronald McDonald House, the Jim Duff Family Rooms at Driscoll Children's Hospital, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Staybridge Suites, and Best Western. * Rooms can only accommodate up to 4 people.

Discounted Room rates for out of town families with a child in intensive care

If your child is in one of our intensive care units and you live more than 50 miles away, you may qualify for a room at Ronald McDonald House or the Jim Duff Family Rooms at Driscoll Children's Hospital at a donation rate! Call today to explore room availability. Room donations are $10 to $25 per night if paid in advance. * Rooms can only accommodate up to 4 people.

Lodging options for additional family members or out of town guests

Because there is not enough room for additional family members to sleep at bedside and no more than 4 people can be accommodated that Ronald McDonald or the Jim Duff Family Rooms at Driscoll Children's Hospital, we have a list of local hotels that may be able to offer a compassionate rate for additional guests.

Local Hotels

The following Hotels may be able to offer a compassionate rate for Driscoll Children's Hospital families and their out of town guests.

America's Best Value	2838 S.P.I.D	(361) 854-0005
Bay Shore Inn Motel	4349 Ocean Dr.	(361) 852-2126
Best Western	300 N. Shoreline	(361) 883-5111
Budget Inn and Suites	801 S. Shoreline	(361) 884-2485
Comfort Suites	538 S.P.I.D.	(361) 299-2266
Corpus Christi Days Inn	4302 Surfside Blvd.	(361) 882-6865
Days Inn	3925 S.P.I.D.	(361) 854-0005
Econo Lodge and Suites	722 N. Port Avenue	(361) 883-7400
Holiday Inn Express and Suites	5213 Oakhurst Drive	(361) 857-7772
Sun Suites	5142 Oakhurst Drive	(361) 851-1200
Super 8 Hotel	411 N Shoreline Blvd.	(361) 884-4815
Staybridge Suites	5201 Oakhurst Drive	(361) 857-7766
Value Place	1026 S.P.I.D.	(361) 852-9292

If you need help with any of the services mentioned, please call Social Work at 361-694-5053 or The Family Connection at 361-694-5058. We are happy to help!

The Family Connection at Driscoll Children's Hospital is a free Resource Center for families thanks to the Auxiliary to Driscoll Children's Hospital who raised $8,000 for the room, the Behmann Brothers Foundation who donated an additional $1,000, and Ray Boss of Chemcel who donated the computers for the facility.