Social Work

Our services include:

• counseling and emotional support
• psychosocial assessment
• community resource referrals
• assistance with meals, lodging and transportation for eligible families.

Staff are familiar with community resources throughout our geographic area and work to link families with the services that will help them following discharge from the hospital.

Support Groups

There are many support groups offered at Driscoll Children's Hospital, as well as throughout the Corpus Christi community. If you are interested in finding out about a specific support group, please contact the Social Work Department for information at (361) 694-5053.

Meal Assistance

Medicaid Meal Tickets - (877) 633-8747
If your child receives Medicaid, and you live out of town, you may qualify for help with meals each day your child is here. Call today to explore this option. If Medicaid authorizes your meals, the Social Work Technicians located in the Family Connection on the 5th floor will provide your meal tickets. Medicaid meal tickets may be used at the DCH Food Factory (Cafeteria).

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 DCH Food Factory. If you need breastfeeding meal tickets or a breast pump, please check with your nurse.

Food Pantry - (361) 694-5053
The Social Work Department has a small food pantry for families who don't qualify for any meal programs and who cannot afford to pay for their own meals. Please ask our staff to contact your Social Worker.

Transportation

• Regional Transportation Authority Bus Service (RTA) - (361) 289-2600 or (361) 993-2287.
• Star Cab - (361) 884-9451
• Super Cab - (361) 299-9999
• United Yellow Checker Cab - (361) 852-5555
• Medicaid Transportation - (877) 633-8747
  If you have Medicaid and need a ride home, you will need to call at least 24 hours in advance, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Medicaid, with advance notice, can provide a ride home for your child and one parent/guardian. Transportation is available for doctor appointments too.

Lodging

Medicaid Lodging Program - (877) 633-8747
If you have Medicaid and need lodging, call Medicaid today. Once approved, Medicaid will authorize lodging at one of the following locations, the Dr. Jim Duff Guest Rooms at Driscoll Children's Hospital, or the Ronald McDonald House. Please stop by the Social Work Technician office located in The Family Connection on the 5th floor to see if Medicaid has approved your request.

Nearby Hotels for Out-of-town Guests
Local hotels offering reduced rates to families who have a child at Driscoll Children's Hospital include:

• Days Inn (361) 854-0005
• Railway Inn Suites (361) 225-3946
• Bay Shore Inn (361) 852-2126
• Best Western Marina Grand Hotel (361) 883-5111
• Econo Lodge (361) 884-2485

Room Service

Driscoll volunteers provide Room Service to parents who are alone and unable to leave their child's bedside. They can deliver items you wish to purchase from McDonalds, the Driscoll Food Factory or one of our Gift Shops. Volunteers can also deliver movies. You may request a copy of our movie list from staff. Volunteers are usually available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For assistance call (361) 694-4052

Laundry Service

A free laundry facility is located just off the 3rd floor waiting area. Please go to the Family Connection on the 5th floor to get tokens and the confidential pass code. For more information call (361) 694-5053