News Releases

DERBY, CT (January 20, 2012) - Griffin Hospital is offering area residents an opportunity to learn Reiki -- a body, mind, and spirit approach to medicine and healing -- at a special Reiki Level 1 Workshop from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Wednesday, March 7 at the hospital.

Reiki is a complementary healing modality based on ancient healing practices. It involves the conscious direction of healing energy -- through the practitioner's hands -- to the patient. When channeled properly, this energy promotes healing by relieving energy blockages to the body. The practice of Reiki is intended to bring balance to the energy fields thereby promoting healing on all levels.

Instructors Eileen Carino, RN-BC, BS, ADS, Reiki Master, and Joanne Halstead, RN, BSN, MS of ED, LMT, will teach the basic concepts of Reiki, allowing ample time for hands-on practice.  The workshop is open to all individuals interested in becoming Reiki practitioners.

The Level 1 Reiki Workshop cost is $50, which includes a Reiki book, but $25 of the cost will be refunded to those who sign up to become a Griffin Hospital volunteer and provide a minimum of 100 hours of Reiki at the hospital within one year of the workshop date.

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DERBY, CT (January 12, 2012) - The Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club and Father Leonard Kvedas, pastor of St. Michael’s Parish in Beacon Falls, will share honors as recipients of the 4th Annual “Caring Heart” Award.  The award is presented each year to an individual and a community organization in recognition of initiatives that support, promote, and improve the general health and well-being of the community. 

Sponsored by the Woman and Heart Disease Committee at Griffin Hospital, in conjunction with American Heart Month, the award presentations will take place on February 2nd at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby. Registration and a silent auction will begin at 5:00 pm, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm and the program and awards. The guest speaker...

DERBY, CT (January 3, 2012) - In conjunction with American Heart Month, the Women and Heart Disease Committee will host its 7th Annual Women and Heart Disease program on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby. Reservations for the event, which is open to the public, can be made by calling 203-732-7584 or 203-732-1137. The cost is $35.

Event registration and a silent auction will start at 5:00 pm, followed promptly at 6:00 pm by dinner and the program, which features guest speaker Samantha Heller, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

In addition to her duties at Griffin Hospital, Ms. Heller is a nationally known health and media expert, consultant, and author of Get Smart:...

DERBY, CT - The Griffin Hospital Volunteer Department is offering a free basic level Soft Touch Workshop from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday, November 19.  The workshop will explain the basic concepts of Soft Touch, which is one of several Planetree components at Griffin Hospital that contribute to healing and creating an exceptional patient experience.

Workshop participants will be taught to provide “soft touch,” a therapeutic, relaxing and gentle rub that can be given to an individual's hands, feet, or back.  The training includes a demonstration of various soft touch techniques as well as opportunity for hands-on practice.

There are no pre-requisites to attend the workshop and it is being offered at no charge to the community.  Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged to ensure a spot. Workshop participants can register by phone at (203) 732-7555, or by e-mailing tbrister@griffinhealth.org.

Planetree...

DERBY, CT - The Valley Women's Health Initiative is seeking nominations for "outstanding women" who have made positive contributions to the community. Award winners will be recognized on October 6, 2011 at the 11th annual "Women Making a Difference in the Valley" luncheon and fundraiser. The event is slated to take place at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby.

Over the past 10 years, 70 women from various walks of life who live or work in the Valley have been honored. Individuals, business leaders, and organizations alike are invited to submit nominations. Nominees should exemplify the multi-dimensional role women play in today's society as demonstrated by the contributions they have made to positively affect their community. Nominees must live or work in one of the Valley towns: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Naugatuck.

Nominations should be submitted by July 30, 2011. To request...

DERBY, CT - For decades, the student volunteer program at Griffin Hospital has offered students a variety of service experiences in a vibrant healthcare environment. This summer, Griffin Hospital has expanded the age requirement for students to include 14-year-olds who are in high school (or who are about to enter high school in the fall).

Students are able to work in a variety of areas including transportation, distribution, food services, medical records, word processing, candy striping, among others. When students volunteer at least four consecutive hours in a day, they are entitled to a free lunch or dinner that same day.

Every student is trained to their particular service role so that they are comfortable and familiar with their work. Students must complete a comprehensive application as well as a health assessment form which they need to have signed by their pediatrician. All students are also required to...

DERBY, CT - The Griffin Hospital Volunteer Department is offering a Basic-level Soft Touch workshop from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday, June 11. The workshop will explain the basic concepts of Soft Touch, which is one of several Planetree components at Griffin Hospital that contribute to creating an exceptional patient experience.

Workshop participants will be taught to provide patients with "soft touch," a therapeutic, relaxing and gentle rub that can be given to a patient's hands, feet, or back depending upon their condition and wishes. The training includes both a demonstration of various soft touch techniques as well as opportunity for hands-on practice.

There are no prerequisites to attend the workshop and it is open to the public. A workshop fee of $30 required, and early registration is encouraged to ensure a spot. Workshop...

The Ansonia Rod and Gun Club, a key sponsor of the 2nd Annual Center for Cancer Care 5k Walk/Run in 2010, has stepped forward once again, generously donating $5,000 to help sponsor this year's event, scheduled for 10 am Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

The donation was spearheaded by Ansonia Rod and Gun Club Treasurer Horace Behrle, who also serves as a Volunteer Ambassador at the Center for Cancer Care, and fellow member Arthur Davies, who joined in presenting the Club's sponsorship check to Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel, Vice President for Ambulatory Care Services Marge Deegan,...

DERBY, CT - Griffin Hospital is offering a basic level Therapeutic Touch workshop in March for individuals interested in learning about this healing modality, and an intermediate level workshop in April for practitioners who want to enhance their Therapeutic Touch knowledge and skill. Both workshops are open to the public.

Therapeutic Touch is an energy healing modality that is derived from the ancient practice of laying on of hands. It has been taught to thousands of healthcare professionals and can help reduce pain and anxiety, expedite healing, and increase overall feelings of well-being.

The Basic-Level workshop, which will explain the basic concepts of Therapeutic Touch, will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 25. There are no prerequisites to attend.

The two-day Intermediate Level workshop, which will explore more advanced concepts of Therapeutic Touch, will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 1, and from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 2. Completion of a Basic Level Therapeutic Touch workshop is required before taking this program.

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DERBY, CT - Griffin Hospital is offering area residents an opportunity to learn reiki, a body, mind, and spirit approach to medicine and healing, at a special Reiki Level 2 Workshop from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 21 at the hospital. Reiki Masters Eileen Carino, RN and Joanne Halstead, RN, BSN, MS of ED, LMT will teach the basic concepts of Reiki, allowing ample time for hands-on practice.

Reiki is a complementary healing modality based on ancient healing practices. It involves the conscious direction of healing energy -- through the practitioner's hands -- to the patient. When channeled properly, this energy promotes healing by relieving energy blockages to the body. The practice of Reiki is intended to bring balance to the energy fields thereby promoting healing on all levels.

The workshop is open to all individuals interested in becoming Level 2 Reiki practitioners (completion of a Level 1 Reiki workshop is a prerequisite). The cost is $60, which includes a reiki book, but $30 of the cost will be refunded to those who sign up to become a Griffin Hospital volunteer and provide a minimum of 100 hours of reiki at the hospital within one year of the workshop date.

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DERBY, CT - The Valley Women's Health Initiative is seeking nominations for "outstanding women" who have made positive contributions to the community. Award winners will be recognized on October 7, 2010 at the tenth annual "Women Making a Difference in the Valley" luncheon and fundraiser. The event is slated to take place at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby. Over the past 9 years, 65 women from various walks of life who live or work in the Valley have been honored.

Individuals, business leaders, and organizations alike are invited to submit nominations.  Nominees should exemplify the multi-dimensional role women play in today's society as demonstrated by the contributions they have made to positively affect their community. Nominees must live or work in one of the six Valley towns:...

DERBY, CT - The Griffin Hospital Volunteer Department is conducting a basic level Soft Touch Workshop from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday, July 31. The workshop will explain the basic concepts of Soft Touch, which is one of several Planetree components at Griffin Hospital that contribute to creating an exceptional patient experience, and provide time for hands-on practice.

Workshop participants will be taught to provide patients with soft touch, a therapeutic, relaxing and gentle rub that can be given to a patient's hands, feet, or back depending upon their condition and wishes.  The training includes both a demonstration of various soft touch techniques as well as opportunity for hands-on practice.

There are no pre-requisites to attend the workshop and it is open to the public. A workshop fee of $30 required, and early registration is encouraged as class size is limited.  Workshop participants can register online at...

DERBY, CT - Griffin Hospital is offering area residents an opportunity to learn reiki, a body, mind, and spirit approach to medicine and healing, at a special Reiki Level-1 Workshop from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 24 at the hospital.

Instructors Eileen Carino, RN, Reiki Master, and Joanne Halstead, RN, BSN, MS of ED, LMT, will teach the basic concepts of Reiki, allowing ample time for hands-on practice.

Reiki, which is offered to the hospital's patients as part of Griffin Hospital's Planetree model of care, is a complementary healing modality based on ancient healing practices. It involves the conscious direction of healing energy -- through the practitioner's hands -- to the patient. When channeled properly, this energy promotes healing by relieving energy blockages to the body. The practice of Reiki is intended to...

DERBY, CT - It's just another wonderful part of the day at Griffin Hospital - the interaction between patients and the dedicated corps of room service volunteers. It would not be unusual to hear a room service volunteer asking patients if they would like to take advantage of a number of the many Planetree services at the hospital including a complementary soft touch massage, a therapeutic touch or reiki treatment, a visit by a therapy dog, a portable DVD player and some DVD's, or a warm baked cookie or muffin.

As a Planetree-designated hospital, patients at Griffin Hospital are able to experience an innovative model of healthcare that puts the patients' needs first. Providers partner with patients and their family members to identify and satisfy the full range of patient needs and preferences. Every aspect of care at the hospital is shaped by the Planetree principles among which are exceptional healthcare services, emphasis...

DERBY, CT - In conjunction with American Heart Month, the Women and Heart Disease Committee of Griffin Hospital will host its 5th Annual Women and Heart Disease Program, on Thursday, February 11, 2010, in the dining room of Griffin Hospital. Registration, silent auction and social begin at 5 pm with dinner at 6 pm. John A. Elefteriades, MD, author of the book The Woman's Heart: An Owner's Guide is guest speaker. Presentation of the 2nd Annual "Caring Heart" Awards to Griffin Hospital volunteers, Clarence Canfield of Ansonia, and Jeannette Connelly of Derby, will highlight the evening. Tickets are $30 per person and may be obtained by calling 203-732-7584 or 203-732-1137. The event is open to all persons interested in learning more about heart disease and the best choices for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Dr. Elefteriades directs the Yale Center of Thoracic Aortic Disease, one of the nation's largest facilities for treatment of the dilated thoracic aorta. In addition to TThe...

DERBY, CT - Retired nurses can make a difference by continuing their wonderful and caring work by becoming a volunteer at Griffin Hospital. There are currently volunteer opportunities available in a variety of clinical areas that enable nurses to use their skills and healthcare experience.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Griffin Hospital and the Center for Cancer Care, call Tricia Wanciak at 203.732.7555.

Griffin Hospital is a full-service, 160 bed not-for-profit acute care community hospital committed to providing high quality, state-of-the-art medical care in a healing, nurturing environment. Griffin Hospital has earned local, national and international recognition and praise for its unique facility, innovative programs and services, and patient-centered Planetree model of care.

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DERBY, CT - Over the last couple of decades more and more attention is being given to the benefits of complimentary medicine and the positive impact it has on healing. As part of the Planetree model of care at Griffin Hospital, patients are offered a full menu of complimentary services that are provided by a dedicated corps of volunteers and staff. Among those services is Therapeutic Touch (TT), an adaptation of several healing practices in which the practitioner uses his/her hands to facilitate healing through a process of energy exchange, enabling patients to focus their energy toward recuperation.

Community members interested in learning Therapeutic Touch are invited to attend a comprehensive, full-day Basic-Level Therapeutic Touch workshop from 8:00 am - 6:30 pm Saturday, November 7 at Griffin Hospital. Therapeutic Touch practitioner Holly Major, MSN, ANP-BC, QTTT, will provide instruction (Registered Nurses...

DERBY, CT - It has been said that everyone has a story -- and for a number of the patients at Griffin Hospital their stories are captured by community members who participate as "Vital Patient Stories" (VPS) volunteers.

"This is certainly one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had," said Sister Mary Bernard Wiecezak, CSFN, a Griffin Hospital volunteer since 1998 who has donated over 300 hours to the Vital Patient Stories program. "Every week I visit with a few of the patients, asking them if they would be willing to share a story with me. I tell them that the story is purely for them and that my hope is to create a brief narrative that will capture some of their reflections, praise their accomplishments and spotlight some of their memories. Many of the patients are eager participants and I believe our time together is a true treasure for both of us."

Sister Mary Bernard has written over 100 patient stories and assists with training other volunteers who wish to work in the Vital Patient...

DERBY, CT - The Valley Women's Health Initiative is seeking nominations for "outstanding women" who have made positive contributions to the community. Award winners will be recognized on October 1, 2009 at the ninth annual "Women Making a Difference in the Valley" luncheon and fundraiser. The event is slated to take place at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby. Over the past eight years, 59 women from various walks of life who live or work in the Valley have been honored.

Individuals, business leaders, and organizations alike are invited to submit nominations. Nominees should exemplify the multi-dimensional role women play in today's society as demonstrated by the contributions they have made to positively affect their community. Nominees must live or work in one of the six Valley towns: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour,...

DERBY, CT - If you were to ask Derby resident Nellie Hapak about one of her favorite parts of her week, she'd undoubtedly smile and tell you about the time she spends Monday through Wednesdays at Griffin Hospital. A hospital volunteer of 28 years, Nellie has worked in both Griffin Hospital's Central Scheduling and Gift Shop areas and has donated a total of over 13,500 hours of volunteer service over that time.

Over the past few years, Nellie has dedicated the majority of her time in the Gift Shop where, among other tasks, she prices and sells merchandise, assists customers with selections and gift wrap, operates the cash register/computer, and keeps records of the sales. A former waitress at Grassy Hill Lodge, Nellie says that serving people has always been in her blood. "I like meeting people and helping them when I can," said Mrs. Hapak. "When my husband passed away, I was looking for something to do and wanted a volunteer experience that would be rewarding and one where I could become a part...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DERBY, CT (June 5, 2009) - Griffin Hospital will be 100 years old this year, and it is looking for other Centenarians to join in the celebration. On Saturday, June 27, from 11 am to 3 pm Griffin Hospital will host a birthday party to celebrate a century of caring for its community. Valley residents are invited to "come back where it all began" and celebrate with the Griffin Hospital Family of caregivers. During the event, the hospital plans to give special recognition to anyone who is 100 years old or older. All those born in 1909 or earlier with an interest in attending should contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203.732.7504.

Griffin Hospital's 100th Birthday Party promises to be a fun-packed event. Free cake and ice cream, kids' activities, musical entertainment and "behind the scenes" tours of the Operating Room, Childbirth Center, Digestive Disorders Center and Health Resource Center are...

DERBY, CT - StoryCorps, a national initiative to document everyday history and the unique stories of Americans, will visit Griffin Hospital's Center for Cancer Care on May 27 and 28, 2009 to celebrate the stories of Griffin Hospital's community as part of the hospital's Centennial Anniversary celebration. StoryCorps is a national independent nonprofit project in partnership with NPR and the American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress.

StoryCorps was created by award-winning documentary producer and MacArthur "Genius" Grant recipient Dave Isay. This unprecedented project has traveled to every corner of America, instructing and inspiring individuals to record their stories in sound. StoryCorps is the largest multi-year oral...

DERBY, CT - More personal than "putting out the welcome mat" for its patients, Griffin Hospital staffs its main entrance with volunteer Ambassadors who are the first smiling faces patients see upon arrival at the hospital. Every morning and afternoon a team of two volunteers, donning navy blue blazers with white carnations tucked neatly in the lapels, stand at the mahogany podium in the front hospital lobby welcoming visitors and guests with open arms. Acting as a liaison for patients, the Ambassadors willingly assist them to their desired destination with the hospital - whether that is to the admitting area, physician's offices or the lab.

John Radovich, a Seymour resident and hospital volunteer who has served over 900 hours has been a part of the Valley all his life and a part of the volunteer corps since 1998 (left click link to download image). "I get such a kick out of being an Ambassador," said Mr. Radovich. "I think I have the greatest job here -- being able to meet new people and catch up with old...