Healing Paws: A new Chapter at Roxborough Memorial Hospital

In the heart of Roxborough Memorial Hospital, a new chapter was unfolding. It was the first time that the hospital had introduced pet therapy, a collaboration with the local non-profit Angel on a Leash. This organization, known for its dedication to enhancing human health and quality of life through the unique bond between humans and dogs, had already made a significant impact at several other city hospitals, including Jefferson Health and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. Their mission resonated deeply with the ethos of Roxborough Memorial Hospital: to provide comprehensive care and a holistic healing environment for the community.

As the pilot program was set to begin in the first quarter of 2025, excitement rippled through the corridors. The program's champion, Andrea Schapire, was ready to embark on this journey with her beloved therapy dog, Indiana Jones. A mixed breed with a gentle disposition, Indiana was not just a pet; he was a calming presence, expertly trained to bring comfort and joy to those in need. Andrea had witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the human-canine bond, and she was eager to share that experience with patients and staff at Roxborough Memorial Hospital.

The pilot kicked off quietly, with Andrea and Indiana making monthly visits to the hospital. Their first rounds were met with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, but as they moved from room to room, the atmosphere began to shift. Indiana's laid-back demeanor and affectionate nature quickly won over patients, many of whom were grappling with pain, anxiety, or loneliness. In the rehab unit, Indiana became a beacon of hope. Patients, often weary from their recovery journeys, found solace in his presence. They laughed as he playfully wagged his tail and leaned in for gentle pets, igniting conversations and smiles that had long been absent.

The staff, too, felt the uplifting energy that Indiana brought. As he trotted through the halls, nurses and doctors paused their busy routines to share a moment with him. The simple act of petting a dog seemed to ease their stress and foster a sense of community. Andrea observed how Indiana bridged the gap between patients and healthcare providers, creating a shared experience that was both healing and joyful.

The official launch of the pet therapy program took place during Hospital Week in May 2025, a celebration of the staff's dedication and hard work. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Indiana made his grand entrance, adorned with a colorful bandana. It was a day of laughter and connection, where patients and staff alike reveled in the joy that Indiana brought. The event was marked by stories shared, laughter exchanged, and an overwhelming sense of camaraderie that filled the air.

As the months passed, the positive feedback continued to pour in. Patients eagerly anticipated Indiana's visits, counting down the days until they would once again feel the warmth of his presence. Andrea knew that they were ready to expand the program, bringing in more therapy dogs to join Indiana in his mission.

With the support of Roxborough Memorial Hospital and the unwavering dedication of Angel on a Leash, plans were set in motion to introduce additional canine champions. Each dog would be carefully selected, ensuring they shared the same gentle spirit and calming presence that Indiana had shown.

The pilot program had evolved into a lasting initiative, one that not only enhanced the healing environment of Roxborough Memorial Hospital but also strengthened the connection between the community and its healthcare providers. Andrea saw firsthand how the simple act of pet therapy could transform lives, foster connections, and promote healing in ways that medicine alone could not.

In the months that followed, as more therapy dogs joined Indiana, the bonds formed between patients and their canine companions blossomed. The hospital became a place of total healing, where the love and loyalty of these furry champions uplifted spirits and created a nurturing space for all who walked its halls. In this new chapter of Roxborough Memorial Hospital, the power of the human-canine bond was celebrated, reminding everyone that healing often comes in many forms-sometimes with a wagging tail and a warm heart.

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About Angel on a LeashTM, Inc. (AOAL): is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides volunteer therapy dog handler teams (Champions) to visit with anyone that would benefit from the human-canine bond in enhancing human health and quality of life. All handler-dog teams (Champions) are tested, certified, and registered by AOAL. Additionally, during scheduled visits, our Champion teams are insured by AOAL.

About Roxborough Memorial Hospital: Roxborough Memorial Hospital is a 131-bed community hospital. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of the Roxborough, Manayunk, East Falls and northwest section of Philadelphia communities for more than a century, having first opened its doors in 1890. Roxborough Memorial Hospitals School of Nursing has been educating nurses since 1898. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation's oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. As a member of Prime Healthcare Services, headquartered in Ontario, California, Roxborough Memorial Hospital is focused on becoming one of the leaders in technology. For more information, please visit www.roxboroughmemorial.com.

About Prime Healthcare and the Prime Healthcare Foundation: Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system operating 51 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations in 14 states, providing over 2.5 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation's leading health systems, with nearly 57,000 employees and physicians. Eighteen of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Based in Ontario, California, Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for award-winning quality care and has been named a 10 Top and 15 Top Health System by Truven Health Analytics. Its hospitals have been named among the nation's "100 Top Hospitals" 69 times and have received more Patient Safety Excellence Awards from Healthgrades than any other health system in the past eight years. To learn more about Prime Healthcare, visit: www.primehealthcare.com. To learn more about Prime Healthcare Foundation, visit: www.primehealthcarefoundation.org.

For more information, visit roxboroughmemorial.com and connect with us on social media:

Contact

Michelle Aliprantis, MBA

Regional Director of Marketing and Communications

Office: 215.785.9817

MAliprantis@primehealthcare.com