4/15/22 - Local Hospital Tries Out Canine Program

Friday, July 15, 2022 at 8:05 AM

istockphoto unsplash.com

Trinity Health adds four dogs to a Grand Rapids hospital for security and therapy purposes.

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Trinity Health Saint Mary’s in Grand Rapids announced a new pilot canine program.

The goal of the program is to reduce workplace violence and supporting employee morale.

The dogs will be at the hospital campus to help de-escalate tense situations.

Director of Security and Emergency Preparedness David Kiddle says over the last year, there's been about 400 incidents.  They ranged from verbal abuse to assault. The dogs and handlers are now there to assist in a tense or violent situation.

They will also serve as therapy type dogs.

The four dogs in the program include two Dutch Shepherds and two Belgian Malinois Shepherds.

The dogs will rotate working 24/7 shifts with a Trinity Health Grand Rapids security officer.

 

 

More from Local

On Air Now Middays with Tom & Jenna
Worship Through It Tasha Layton w/Chris Brown 2:42pm
A Thousand Times We Are Messengers 2:37pm
Encouraging Words From Your Bible

These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

JOHN 20:31 NIV
Family-Friendly Commercial-Free
91.3 WCSG
Grand Rapids / Lakeshore
88.3 WCXK
Kalamazoo
90.9 WCFG
Battle Creek
89.9 WCXB
Benton Harbor