This holiday season, Shore Medical Center is shining a spotlight on the neurodiverse community through a beachside display made possible by the generosity of hospital staff, patients and community volunteers.
On Dec. 6, a 6-foot tree was placed along the beach at 48th Street in Ocean City and decorated with biodegradable ornaments carrying messages of hope, love and togetherness. The display, known as the Neurodiversity Awareness Tree, is intended to raise awareness and promote inclusion.
The idea originated during a recent community advisory meeting at Shore Medical Center. According to Sherri Richmond, director of emergency services, participants discussed several projects aimed at educating the public about neurodiversity.
“There are a lot of people who come to Ocean City to view the trees, and we can get the word out to a lot of people,” Richmond said.
The tree was secured in a stand with a 4-gallon bucket of spring water to keep it nourished. Richmond said the installation required teamwork from multiple groups.
“One of our ER nurses, Tyler, dug the hole to put the bucket in, and Egg Harbor Township EMS came with four of their team members,” she said. “It was a team effort.”
The tree is adorned with wooden ornaments donated by Lisa Delasotta, a member of the hospital’s Neurodiversity Advisory Committee. The ornaments were painted by members of Egg Harbor Township Emergency Medical Services, patients in the Pediatric Care Center and Shore Medical Center staff. Emergency Department team members later sealed the ornaments with beeswax to ensure they are biodegradable.
Richmond said the project also served as an educational opportunity for patients.
“It gave us a chance to explain what neurodiversity is and why we are dedicating this tree to it,” she said.
Additional decorations were created by Shore Medical Center staff, Egg Harbor Township EMS and Autism New Jersey. Informational signs posted near the tree highlight Shore’s neurodiversity initiatives and programs.
Amanda Hewitt, clinical supervisor in Shore’s Emergency Department, also played a role in the project.
“I was really interested in helping Sherri put together this tree and helping preserve the ornaments so everyone can enjoy them,” Hewitt said.
In recent years, Shore Medical Center has expanded services to better support South Jersey’s growing autism population. The Pediatric Care Center offers a sensory-friendly environment with calming audio and visual aids, communication tools and specially trained staff. Earlier this year, the hospital opened an outpatient testing room designed to provide a low-stimulation setting for patients across the spectrum.
Over the summer, Shore Medical Center also introduced a sensory-friendly adult emergency room, created to reduce sensory overload while providing high-quality care. The space was made possible through support from the Eagles Autism Foundation.
“Shore Medical Center welcomes, recognizes, values and appreciates neurodiverse patients,” said Brian Cahill, director of marketing. “We are extremely proud of the programs we have in place, and we want the community to know that we are here and that we care.”
The Neurodiversity Awareness Tree will remain on display at 48th Street and the beach in Ocean City through the end of the year.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
