After a successful pilot program this past winter, the professional clown doctors are finally bringing their brand of play, joy, and therapeutic fun back to pediatric patients and staff at Piedmont Columbus Regional after being delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Atlanta-based non-profit group called Humorology Atlanta (or more comedically known as HA! for short) returned to The Children's Hospital at Piedmont Columbus Regional earlier this month.  The Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation, through the Children's Miracle Network (CMN), is funding the venture for the next 9 months.

Due to visitation restrictions, their return to Columbus was delayed a few months. During the height of the pandemic, HA! moved to virtual visits, performing on their social media pages for fans and patients. HA! visits weekly to round on the pediatric units. Now that the group is back doing in-person visits, they're following COVID-19 guidelines like social distancing and wearing masks.

Ron Anglin, also known as DR. tiny, is the HA! Columbus site supervisor and knows the community well. 

"I am a former Army officer who trained at Ft. Benning and got my Master’s Degree in Education from Columbus State University. I also have called this area home for over 50 years, so I am beyond thrilled to be able to help sick children and their families at Piedmont Columbus during these trying times, said Anglin.

All of the clowns, or ‘Humorologists’, previously worked for the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit in Atlanta. The Humorologists are all professional performers who are trained in the artistry of hospital clowning, assessing hospital environments, cultural sensitivity and hospital hygiene. 

In addition to Piedmont Columbus Regional, the Humorologists bring therapeutic fun to the three Children's Healthcare of Atlanta campuses: Egleston, Scottish Rite, and Hughes Spalding. 

“We've been doing the beautiful work of healthcare clowning at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for 20 years. We are beyond excited to bring our brand of joy, fun, laughter and play to the children, their families and staff at Piedmont Columbus Regional," said Anglin.