LETTERS: 20 YEARS OF HAIR CARE AT SOUTHEAST HOSPITAL

To the editor:

The recognition given to volunteers at St. Francis Medical Center's Leona Bunch Hair Care Center in the article written by Teresa Johnson in the Oct. 30 Southeast Missourian was certainly well-deserved. At Southeast Missouri Hospital, we also know the value of hair-care services to our patients. For more than 20 years, Southeast Missouri Hospital has offered its patients hair-care services thanks to a dedicated and talented group of volunteers. It was the late Peggy Spradling, a longtime Southeast auxilian and volunteer, who first identified the need for a hair-care service and then worked to see one established at the hospital. Currently, seven Southeast volunteers work in the hair-care center: Jerry Patrick, chairman of the auxiliary's hair-care committee; Leila Boldrey; Juanita Daume; Manuela Hudson; Germaine LeGrand; Dorles Massey; and Dorothy Oberbeck.

During a typical week, Southeast's hair-care volunteers work with 15 to 20 patients shampooing, styling and, if it's needed, cutting their hair. Hair care is available to both men and women. Patients who are not able to come to the hospital's cheery styling salon may have their hair washed bedside.

Of course, there is no charge for any of these services. Donations received in appreciation for hair-care services go back into supplies and equipment. The best payment hair-care volunteers can receive is to see a patient look in the mirror, smile and say, "This makes me feel so much better."DOLLY JEWEL, Auxiliary PresidentSoutheast Missouri Hospital

Cape Girardeau