North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice Program is seeking volunteers in Calhoun City who would like to participate in a Hospice volunteer program.

Hospice uses a holistic approach of care to provide comfort with dignity by supporting the physical, emotional and physical needs of patients and their families through an emphasis on pain management.
The NMMC Hospice Program will offer a training workshop from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the NMMC Hospice Office, 422-A East President St. in Tupelo. A light lunch will be provided. While the training will be held in Tupelo, volunteers can serve in their own communities.
Topics covered during the workshop include an introduction to the NMMC Hospice and volunteer programs, death and dying issues, grief and bereavement, spiritual, physical and emotional needs of a Hospice patient, and the role of a Hospice volunteer.
"One of the greatest social needs of America is providing care for the sick and their family members who are dealing with the constant struggles of long-term care," said Chris Maynard, NMMC Hospice volunteer coordinator. "Many families labor daily with overwhelming issues facing their loved one's death and usually without relief from their distress. They desperately need someone to talk or sit with their sick family member. Oftentimes they just want someone to listen. Our volunteers act as liaisons between the Hospice patient, the caregivers and the professional health care staff. They provide nurturing and emotional support to our patients and their family members during this critical time in their lives."
Volunteer duties consist of running errands and shopping, light meal preparation and delivery, providing companionship and other tasks. Interested individuals, including those who are unable to attend the Feb. 22 workshop, are asked to call Maynard at (662) 377-7074 or 1-800-852-1610.