CMC welcomes our first four legged volunteers
Conway Medical Center is pleased to introduce our Pet Therapy Program. The program aims to relieve stress and anxiety while promoting healing and improving the overall quality of life here at CMC.
The emotional and physical toll the global pandemic has placed on healthcare workers continues to be a strong focus at CMC. Developing programs to combat the negative effects of the pandemic, while promoting a positive and uplifting work environment is paramount.
Pet therapy programs are proven to lower blood pressure, lessen physical pain, reduce fatigue, and minimize stress and anxiety. Miss. Ellie Mae (with handler/mom Kim) and Mr. McDuffie (with handler/mom Janet), our first Canine volunteers, have honed their emotional well-being skills thanks to an intensive yearlong training program. The training aims to provide both pups and handlers with the skills needed to interact with individuals in a safe and meaningful way.
Miss Ellie Mae and Mr. McDuffie (or Duffie as he’s known to friends) visit CMC staff throughout the week, offering them a chance to pause, snuggle, laugh, and breathe. When these sweet pups walk the floors, it’s only a matter of time before word gets out that it’s an Ellie Mae and Duffie day! “You can feel the room decompress when Ellie Mae and Duffie arrive on the floor,” stated Susan Scarce, Assistant Director of Development- CMC Foundation. Staff can interact with our volunteers at their comfort level and the pups are happy to meet them exactly where they are.
We look forward to watching our Pet Therapy Program grow and flourish for many years to come. If you are interested in becoming a CMC volunteer (two or four-legged!) contact us today to learn more.
