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News Release

FIVE VOLUNTEERS COMPLETE VNA HOSPICE TRAINING

Aug. 1, 2007 — Visiting Nurses Association of Venango County has five new hospice volunteers to help meet the needs of terminally ill patients and their families.

NEW VOLUNTEERS - VNA's new hospice volunteers are (from left) Mary Dehner, Patti Switzer, Julie Miller, Diane Thomas, and Nanette Wilson.

Mary Dehner, Julie Miller, Patti Switzer, Diane Thomas and Nanette Wilson completed VNA’s 20-hour hospice volunteer training program that equips them to provide companionship, transportation, errands, respite care, light housekeeping, and other hospice/bereavement services. They also assist the hospice staff with VNA’s bereavement support groups, Camp Good Grief and Hope for the Holidays (for young people who have experienced the death of a loved one).

Several of the new volunteers have additional skills they can use to benefit hospice patients and families including health ministry/therapeutic touch, music, and spiritual support, according to VNA bereavement/volunteer coordinator Rita Kiter. Volunteers are “the heartbeat of our hospice program and are vital in supporting the needs of our patients and families,” Mrs. Kiter says.

VNA staff members and hospice volunteers who helped train the new volunteers are Lynn Smith, Nancy Linehan, Andy Findlan, Heidi Murdoch, Geneva Maleski, Deb Huff, Rebecca Lytle, Pam Evans-Waters, Jane Byham, Val Motter, and Sue Evans. Morrison Funeral Home owner Mike Morrison also assisted with training.

Following the addition of the new volunteers, VNA continues to seek members for its hospice volunteer corps. Individuals can learn more about becoming a hospice volunteer by contacting Mrs. Kiter at VNA, 814-678-4832 or 814-678-1111.