News Release

Six Persons Complete VNA Hospice Volunteer Training

March 27, 2006 -- Visiting Nurses Association of Venango County has six new hospice volunteers to help meet the needs of terminally ill patients and their families.

		VNA’s new hospice volunteers are (seated, from left) Barbara Smith, Jane Hoover, and Pamela Evans-Waters; and (standing, from left) Jill Keats, Rev. Stephen Moore, and Rebecca Lytle.

Pamela Evans-Waters, Jane Hoover, Jill Keats, Rebecca Lytle, Rev. Stephen Moore, and Barbara Smith completed VNA’s 20-hour hospice volunteer training program that equips them to provide companionship, listening, transportation, errands, respite care, light housekeeping, and other hospice/bereavement services. They also assist with VNA’s cancer and bereavement support groups, along with 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 massage therapy, health ministry/therapeutic touch, music, and spiritual counsel, according to VNA bereavement/volunteer coordinator Rita Kiter, who says the volunteers are “vital members of the hospice team. They make important contributions that benefit the well-being of patients and their families.”

VNA staff members who helped train the volunteers are Rev. Ron Bole, Jane Byham, Becky Hodges, Deb Huff, Savita Joneja, MD, Betty Keller, Kay Kifer, Nancy Linehan, Val Motter, Heidi Murdoch, Lynn Smith, Scott Smith, Kammi Stiller, Kathy Weaver, and Carolyn Williams. State police trooper David Wargo 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.