FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, July 30, 2008

CONTACT:
Cindy Hickey, 330-489-1212
cindy.hickey@cantonmercy.org

Volunteer Services to Host Delta Society Workshop for Pet Patrol Program

Mercy Medical Center’s Volunteer Services Department is offering a Delta Society Pet Patrol Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 27 for individuals interested in offering therapeutic pet visitations for hospital patients and visitors. Pet Patrol teams provide a sense of comfort and normalcy during hospitalization; promote self-esteem through unconditional love; and provide an outlet for anxiety, stress and depression.

All potential volunteers must complete an application process, which includes a written application, background check, interview, orientation and TB screening. Applications for the September workshop must be turned in to Mercy Volunteer Services by Friday, Sept. 5. To attend the Delta Society Workshop or for more information about Mercy Pet Patrol, contact Beth Koniecko at 330-489-1182 or email elizabeth.koniecko@csauh.com.

A collaborative effort between nursing units, Mercy Volunteer Services and Pet Patrol teams, Mercy began this pet therapy program in 1995 and currently has 25 active teams. “Seeing an animal in a hospital setting is not typical, so when a patient sees one of our Pet Patrol teams, it boosts their spirits,� says Beth Koniecko, volunteer relations specialist at Mercy Medical Center.

Mercy Medical Center, a nonprofit corporation of the Sisters of Charity Health System and University Hospitals Health System, operates a 476-bed hospital serving Stark, Carroll, Wayne, Holmes and Tuscarawas Counties and parts of Southeastern Ohio. It has 550 physicians on its Medical Staff and employs 2,500 people. Mercy operates outpatient health centers in Carrollton, Jackson Township, Lake Township, Louisville and North Canton. A Catholic hospital, Mercy Medical Center upholds the mission and philosophy of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and continues to be responsive to the needs of the community, including the provision of care to all, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, see www.cantonmercy.com.