Athens Messenger: Flower Power

Flowers can help brighten someone's day. For someone battling an illness, that eventually leads to hospice care, it can be an arrangement of flowers that really makes someone feel good, feel loved.

In Athens, the OhioHealth Home Care & Hospice teams have put together arrangements for patients for 9 years.

"The inspiration for ‘Flower Power’ came from my time volunteering at St. Raphael’s Hospice in London, England,” Christie Truly, volunteer coordinator for OhioHealth Hospice, Athens, said to the Athens Messenger. “Flowers are donated by community members, including the children at the Child Development Center (of Athens) and the men at SEPTA in Nelsonville (the Southeastern Ohio Probation Treatment Alternative Correctional Facility). They actually won a national award for their work with Flower Power.”

About 200 patients are enrolled in hospice and home care programs with OhioHealth in Athens county.  Volunteers come together once a week during the summer months to put together arrangements for delivery to a few senior homes, as well as those who live at home.

The hope is to brighten anyone's day with a bouquet. As for where these flowers come from, Truly says Athens county has always been a giving community.

“We occasionally receive flower donations from local florists, bridal parties, Ohio University, funeral homes, and event planners," Truly said.

The group is always looking for volunteers to add to their team.

“Our current volunteer arrangers gather at 12:30 p.m. on Mondays to immerse themselves in color, scent and texture,” Truly said. “Arrangers learn from each other, so inexperience should not be an obstacle for anyone wishing to volunteer.”

If you are interested in being part of the team, you can call 740-331-7040.

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