White River Medical Center (WRMC) employs a full time Chaplain who works with many Ministers/Pastors. Together they provide pastoral care to patients, families, staff, and employees. The Pastoral Care Department works with the Ministerial Alliance of several counties to bring together “total patient care.”
The Pastoral Care Department adopted the Teddy Bear Ministry as a way to help brighten a patient's stay at WRMC. Teddy Bears (and all stuffed animals) turn “tears into smiles” with children and senior adults. At the present time, this ministry gives away approximately 5,000 teddy bears annually. All teddy bears come from donations and are funded by various groups and individuals.
To participate in the Teddy Bear Ministry, please contact Chaplain Doc Spurlin at 870-262-1413 or via mail at White River Medical Center, Attn: Pastoral Care: P.O. Box 2197, Batesville, AR 72503.