A part of the HIP Heals program, Wags for Wellness is a restorative wellness initiative that we created in collaboration with UAB Hospital to express our gratitude and respect for the healthcare community that took care of all of us during the pandemic and continues to do so today. We expanded the program to include more healthcare facilities, fire and police departments, as well as other workplaces.
We recognize that those who take care of us need to be well taken care of, too, and that sometimes life can be very stressful. Specially trained Therapy Teams visit healthcare professionals, first responders, teachers, students, and workers dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and despair.
To request services from the Wags for Wellness teams, click here.
Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) are more informal and do not require the direction of a health care professional. Specific treatment goals are not planned for AAA visits; however, they provide opportunities to enhance quality of life while creating positive emotions.
Examples might include:
Wags for Wellness was created thanks to the generous support of VP Funds and The Daniel Foundation of Alabama. Our services have been and always will be provided at no cost to those we serve. The need for these services continues to grow.
To learn how you can support the Wags for Wellness program, contact Caroline Bundy, Director of Development, at caroline@handinpaw.org.
