The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, N.Y. to establish a mentoring program designed to expand the reach and services of the hospitals renowned Perinatal Bereavement Support Program. The $10,000 grant represents the first installment of a three-year commitment by the Foundation.
(PRWEB) April 16, 2004 -- The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, N.Y. to establish a mentoring program designed to expand the reach and services of the hospitals renowned Perinatal Bereavement Support Program. The $10,000 grant represents the first installment of a three-year commitment by the Foundation.
Good Samaritan Hospital's Perinatal Bereavement Support Program provides support and assistance to families who have experienced the loss of a baby, either during pregnancy or shortly after birth. The program recognizes that grief needs to be shared, and provides mutual help groups and special events, creating a supportive environment where families can share their thoughts, feelings, and similar experiences.
The grant, initially funded at $10,000 for the first year, is directed toward establishing a Mentoring Program within the Perinatal Bereavement Support Program. This new program will expand Good Samaritan Hospitals services and reach within this area, by training parents who have experienced the loss of a baby and previously participated in the support program as support group leaders and mentors to parents who are currently dealing with a loss. Based on the results and accomplishments during the first year, two additional years of funding for this program may be available.
The loss of a baby is overwhelming," notes Pam Magi, RN, Director of the Perinatal Bereavement Support Program at Good Samaritan Hospital. Nothing, certainly not any words, can console parents who have suffered such a tremendous loss. But as the healing journey begins, it is often a small source of comfort for parents to be with people who have experienced a similar loss. We are gratified to be recognized by the Alfred E. Smith Foundation with this grant, which will enable us to expand our services and to reach more families during their time of sorrow," said Magi.
Michael Schnieders, Executive Vice President and Administrator of Good Samaritan Hospital, voiced his gratification that Good Samaritan was singled out for this grant. "This grant affirms the tremendous value that our Perinatal Bereavement Support Program extends to families who eperience a terrible loss," said Schnieders. We're very proud of the groundbreaking work that Pam Magi and Eileen Fioramonti are doing in this difficult area. They are truly helping Good Samaritan Hospital to make a positive difference in the lives of the people of Rockland and surrounding counties."
The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation, Inc. annually awards over $1 million in grants to Catholic-related health and social programsand organizations. Named for the former four-term Governor of the State of New York, and one-time Democratic Presidential candidate, the Foundation is perhaps best known for its annual white tie" fund raising dinner, traditionally hosted at the Waldorf Astoria by the sitting Cardinal of the Archdiocese of New York, and attended by nationally-prominent and statewide political figures of both political parties as well as leading business and community leaders.
Good Samaritan Hospital is part of the Bon Secours Charity Health System, which also includes St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, NY and Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY. Additionally, Bon Secours Charity Health System provides the services of a Certified Home Health Agency, two long-term care facilities, an assisted living and adult home facility and several other medical programs. For more information on the Perinatal Bereavement Support Program, or any of the hospitals programs or services, contact Good Samaritan Hospital at 845-368-5000 or on the Web at www.goodsamhosp.org.
Media Contact: John Lonsdorf, R&J Group, (973) 331-1070.
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