Easy to Give, Hard to Receive
Published April 25, 2022
Risa Hanau, LCSW, is an expert in caring for those at end-of-life. She also is a natural “giver” who is quick to support a loved one in need. Facing her own rare disease diagnosis and the physical challenges that come with Ehlers-Danlos, however, required she take a new journey of asking for help. Join us for this compelling and raw story of Risa’s journey to accepting support while coping with a rare disease.
Related content
-
Patient Family & Community Engagement
Correlation between Resident Physician and Patient Perceptions of Empathy in the Emergency Department
Published November 12, 2025
Background: Empathy is essential for emergency medicine physicians, impacting patient outcomes and experiences, especially in the fast-paced emergency department (ED). However, empathy often declines during medical training, negatively affecting care. Little is known about how emergency medicine trainees perceive their empathy compared to their patients. Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between patient
Learn more -
Patient Family & Community Engagement
Communicating Effectively when Engaging People with Lived Experience in Mental Health and Substance use Health Research: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Published November 12, 2025
Background. People with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges and families (PWLE/F) are increasingly engaged in research, providing positive impacts. However, effective engagement can be challenging, including ensuring effective communication. This qualitative study sought to understand the communication preferences of PWLE/F who are engaged in mental health and substance use health research.
Learn more -
Patient Family & Community Engagement
From Waiting to Welcoming: How Children’s of Alabama Elevated Pediatric ED Experience
Published March 1, 2026

Children’s of Alabama elevated its pediatric emergency department experience by using real-time feedback, activating surge capacity sooner, and creating sensory-friendly spaces to better support patients and families. These targeted efforts reduced Left Without Being Seen rates by more than half and led to top national performance among peer pediatric emergency departments.
Learn more