Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) will hold volunteer training classes on October 5 and 12 from 5 p.m. " 9 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center located at 3358 Ridgewood Road in Fairlawn. Participants are required to attend both sessions. There is no fee. Please register by September 20.

Volunteers are needed to visit patients in their homes or skilled nursing facilities throughout Summit County and western Stark County. Volunteers are also needed to assist with important functions at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, such as visiting patients, answering telephones, greeting families, filing, assisting with mailings, or arranging flowers, among other activities. Hospice of VNS matches volunteer interests with program needs.

Volunteers receive comprehensive training covering such topics as the physical and emotional needs of patients and caregivers, spiritual aspects of care, the Hospice concept, comfort care issues, communications skills, active listening, and all aspects of death, dying, and grief and bereavement. New volunteers to the program are mentored by seasoned volunteers.

For more information on volunteering for Hospice of VNS, or to register for volunteer training, please call Terri DeGeorge, Manager of Volunteer Services, at 330-668-4650 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4650.

About Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS)
The purpose of Hospice of VNS is to alleviate suffering, engender hope, promote living and facilitate grieving among patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses, their families and their communities. Hospice of VNS is an affiliate of Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates (comprised of Advanced Infusion Services, Hospice of VNS, VNS Personal Care Services, VNS Equipment & Supplies and Visiting Nurse Service). VNSA serves Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties and is a member of the Akron General Health System. Visit VNSA on the web at www.vnsa.com.