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July
22, 2005
National
Hospital Hospitality House Week on tap
Beacon House, MGH Hospitality Rooms opening doors
to the public on Tuesday; free refreshments served
To help celebrate
the role hospital hospitality programs play in their communities,
the American Hospital Association has designated July 24-30 as
National Hospital Hospitality House Week to recognize the benefits
to patients and their families.
Families and patients of all ages and walks of life have found
a haven within the warm, home-like environments provided by hospitality
houses and lodging programs.
On Tuesday, July 26, the public is invited to join in celebrating
National Hospital Hospitality House Week from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
at the Hospitality
Rooms at Marquette General Hospital and from 11:30 a.m. to
1:30 p.m. at Beacon
House.
Free refreshments and tours will be offered in the MGH Hospitality
Rooms. The affordable, overnight in-hospital accommodations at
Marquette General provide an economic alternative to overnight
lodging for patients and their families who live more than 50
miles away. Currently, there are 21 beds available for a nominal
fee per person per night.
The MGH Hospitality Rooms are located on the second floor of the
’69 building. Guests are asked to take the Skywalk from
the Parking Ramp and follow the signs.
Out of 185 houses in the National Association of Hospital Hospitality
Houses, the MGH Hospitality program is among the few actually
located inside the hospital itself, much less on its grounds.
MGH Hospitality Rooms host an average of 1,300 families each year.
“We encourage everyone to take the time to learn more about
our services. We’re very lucky to have a close and inexpensive
program available to patient and their families in their time
of need,” said Margaret Parker, Guest Services Coordinator
for the MGH Hospitality Rooms. “Without the combined efforts
of the hospital and the Marquette General Healthcare Volunteers,
this service would not be available.”
Located at 1301 N. Third St. in Marquette, Beacon House provides
no-cost lodging for patients and families who must travel to Marquette
for medical care. They can relax in the living areas and find
support and comfort from others who are going through similar
experiences.
At Beacon House, free hotdogs, root beer floats and tours will
be available. Beacon House, an independent and non-profit organization
supported by the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations,
has a 14-person Board of Directors who represent areas across
the Upper Peninsula.
Patients and families are afforded the opportunity to cook and
share meals at the Beacon House in a fully equipped kitchen, stay
in rooms with private baths, and have the use of on-site laundry
facilities. Donations are accepted to help support the cost of
operation.
Said Dave Bammert, Executive Director of Beacon House: “We
enjoy highlighting the accomplishments of the hospitality program
within the Marquette community. It’s a nice opportunity
to show our facility to the public.”
During the tours, Hospitality Rooms and Beacon House staff will
be available to answer questions and information will be available.
Econo Foods of Marquette, Jilbert’s Dairy of Marquette,
Coca-Cola of Marquette and Vollwerth’s of Hancock are donating
refreshments and equipment for the event.
For more information or volunteer opportunities available at the
Beacon House, call 225-7100. For information on the MGH Hospitality
Rooms, call Parker at 225-3664 or 1-800-562-9753, ext. 3664.
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