SOUTHEAST SEEKS HOSPICE WORKERS

Volunteers are being sought by Southeast Missouri Hospital to work with its Hospice Services, a program providing care and emotional support for terminally ill patients and their families.

An informational meeting for individuals who are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the hospital's Regional Home Health and Hospice office, 760 S. Kingshighway. Hospice volunteer coordinator Carl Keppler and Hospice patient care manager Judy Aslin will explain the hospice program and how it serves families.

Individuals who wish to become a hospice volunteer may take a 30-hour training program which will begin on March 25. Sessions will be held on a weekly basis until the training series is complete.

Because hospice volunteer training is a structured program designed to meet specific goals and objectives, those who complete the training program will qualify to serve as volunteers with any hospice program in the country, Keppler said. The time commitment with a patient and family varies, but generally ranges from two to 20 hours per month. Hospice volunteers work in conjunction with Home Health nurses and Pastoral Care.

Volunteers are being sought from throughout the counties of Cape, Scott, Stoddard, Perry and Bollinger. Particularly needed are volunteers from north Cape County, Perry and Scott counties.

Additional information may be obtained by call the hospice office, 651-5821.