Medical professionals are becoming increasingly aware of the therapeutic and soothing effects animals have on patients. A growing number of clinical studies are proving that animals contribute to physical health by lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety levels and increasing survival rates for people with heart disease.

Good Samaritan Hospital (GSH) of Kearney, Nebraska has transformed healthcare delivery and positively affected family members, staff and the community through a program that complements traditional models. While other animal assisted therapy programs (AAP) have long been admired for the impact they have in the health care setting, what sets GSH AAP apart from others is the hospital’s commitment to support the program to provide services not only to the hospital but also to the our entire community.