BOLIVIA, N.C. – Two Novant Health volunteers were recently honored with the 2018 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. Mike and Gloria Foss have been instrumental in the implementation of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center’s pet therapy program.
The Fosses have devoted over 600 hours researching and assisting with the implementation of the pet therapy program, which included visiting two other Novant Health facilities to observe their pet therapy processes, preparing record books, arranging the pet therapy supply cart and training pet therapy assistant volunteers and handlers.
“Mike and Gloria have enhanced the care and lives of many patients, individuals and team members at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center,” said Deborah Rochelle, manager of volunteer services. “They have gone out of their way to create a positive and enjoyable experience during circumstances that can sometimes be scary and unknown.”
There are 10 dogs currently participating in the pet therapy program, two of which, Mason and Tango, belong to the Fosses. Mason and Tango provided 1,254 patient visits in 2017.
“Our pet therapy handlers, assistants and therapy dogs make a difference in the lives of so many people,” said Natalie Clark, volunteer coordinator, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center. “We are grateful to Mike and Gloria for making this program possible.”
The Governor's Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, groups and businesses that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Any person, group or entity from the public, nonprofit and private sector may be nominated for an award.
For more information on Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center’s volunteer program or to request an application, call 910-721-1493 or visit NovantHealth.org/Volunteer.
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