Last month, Baylor Scott and White Health in Irving, Texas became the first health system in the country to integrate assistance dogs into its physical and cognitive therapy programs.
Pairing with Canine Companions for Independence, the hospital raised $10 million in funds to build the training center. "Canine Companions for Independence at Baylor Scott and White Health - Irving Campus" is named after U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade -- who volunteered at the facility for years, visiting patients with his dog, Bo.
Established in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence provides highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities, and has training centers in California, Florida, New York and other locations throughout the country.
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"We have a long history of innovation and collaboration," said Baylor Scott and White CEO Joel Allison, adding that he was proud to add this achievement to that legacy. "This is another example of how we're working to take care of the total patient."
In all, the Kinkeade Campus will train three types of assistance dogs. Service dogs will assist adults with physical disabilities by performing daily tasks, such as picking things up off the floor with their mouths; "skilled companion" dogs will be paired with those who have physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities; and "facility dogs" will work with professionals in education, criminal justice or healthcare settings.
The program offers many benefits, said Baylor Scott and White Director of Media Relations Julie Smith. The highly trained assistance dogs know 40 commands to assist patients, such as picking up dropped items, opening doors or turning lights on and off.
She said the dogs also provide motivation during therapies and can assist with fine and gross motor skill rehabilitation.
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In order to take advantage of these benefits, a prospective patient must be vetted through two interviews, one on the phone and one in person. After acceptance into the program, and some time on the waiting list, the patient is introduced to an intensive two-week Team Training class, learning the finer points of how to care for and work with an assistance dog; this includes both daily lectures and hands-on training. At the end of the training period, students pass a written and practical exam.
"Each graduate can expect ongoing follow-up for the entire working life of the team, entirely free of charge," said Smith.
Eventually, the new campus will be able to graduate up to 60 dog-and-patient teams per year.
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For the $10 million price tag, clinicians and prospective patients will utilize both indoor and outdoor training facilities, a veterinary clinic, a canine grooming room and 24 indoor and outdoor kennels. Newly-approved applicants will stay on campus during the two-week training period, staying in one of two cabins with seven residence rooms. There's also a fully-stocked kitchen and dining area, along with several common areas and an outdoor fire pit.
In a statement, Paul Mundell, CEO of Canine Companions for Independence, said the first-ever collaboration between a healthcare provider and assistance dog organization was the result of innovation.
"For more than 40 years," he said, "our organization has stood on the forefront of the assistance dog service sector and we are proud to open our sixth center in the nation through this alliance."
Twitter: @JELagasse