#United States #Bellevue #Pet Partners #therapy animals #Baxter Foundation

Enhancing Healthcare Through Animal Therapy

In a groundbreaking initiative, Pet Partners, a leader in promoting health through therapy animal interactions, and the Baxter Foundation have announced an ambitious plan to expand access to therapy animal programs across the United States. This collaboration is particularly timely, considering the acute stress and emotional strain faced by both healthcare workers and patients in hospital settings. Their two-year pilot program aims to serve over 100,000 individuals in need of emotional support and comfort.

The Importance of Animal Therapy

The significance of therapy animals in healthcare has been backed by extensive research, indicating that these interactions can significantly alleviate pain and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression amongst patients. For healthcare professionals, even short visits from therapy animals have been proven to lower stress levels. However, many institutions today struggle with the costs and logistical hurdles involved in establishing and sustaining animal therapy programs. This partnership aims to bridge that gap, providing essential resources and infrastructure.

Stacey Eisen, Chief Communications Officer at Baxter, highlighted the motivation behind this initiative, recounting the heartwarming story of a young cancer patient named Izzy. She found solace in a therapy dog named Baxter during her treatments, showcasing how essential these bonds can be during distressing times. "At Baxter, we support patients and care teams with our products, and this partnership allows us to extend that support at the bedside in a deeply meaningful way," she stated.

Program Objectives and Implementation

The Baxter Foundation's financial backing will enable Pet Partners to focus on several key objectives:

1. Expanding Access: The program seeks to both increase the number of therapy animal visits and recruit more volunteer supporters to extend reach across healthcare settings.
2. Enhancing Training: Ensuring safe and effective interactions is paramount. The initiative will enhance educational programs for volunteers, updating the safety and infection control measures associated with therapy animal visits.
3. Research Validation: Conducting comprehensive studies to assess the impact of therapy animals on healthcare professionals to bolster recognition of their role in creating resilient healthcare environments.
4. Employee Engagement: Baxter employees will have opportunities to engage actively in the program, reinforcing wellness initiatives through volunteering and events.

A Meaningful Step Forward

Annie Peters, CEO of Pet Partners, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, noting, "We are thrilled to partner with the Baxter Foundation to expand access to therapy animals and deepen the impact of animal-assisted interventions in healthcare. Together, we are creating moments that foster resilience for healthcare workers and comfort for patients."

With the pilot program now officially in progress, it promises to reshape the landscape of emotional support in healthcare settings. More information about their ongoing efforts can be found at www.petpartners.org/baxter.

About the Organizations

Pet Partners has been a leading force in therapy animal advocacy since 1977, registering volunteers and supporting countless visits that promote the human-animal bond. They emphasize the transformative power of these relationships in improving lives, making healthcare settings more humane and supportive.

The Baxter Foundation, part of Baxter International Inc., aims to increase healthcare accessibility and ensure the well-being of communities globally. With a vision to make a long-term positive impact, they partner with organizations that resonate with their mission to improve healthcare outcomes.

This collaboration marks a significant advance in recognizing and utilizing the healing power of animal companionship in both patient care and the wellness of healthcare providers.