Published: August 11, 2008 01:11 pm      

Center to host Patch Adams Day

McAlester — McAlester Regional Health Center Foundation is pleased to announce that Dr. Hunter “Patch Adams”, founder of the Gesundheit! Institute will be in McAlester on August 23, 2008.

His groundbreaking approach to healthcare was the basis for the Patch Adams movie released in 1998 by Universal Pictures starring Robin Williams.

Dr. Patch Adams is both a medical doctor and a clown. He has devoted over 30 years to changing America’s healthcare system in the belief that laughter, joy and creativity are an integral part of the healing process. Raising money for The Gesundheit! Institute for nearly three decades, Patch’s goal is to open a 40-bed hospital in rural West Virginia that offers free, holistic health care to anyone who wants it.

“We are very excited that Patch Adams is coming,” said Beckie Moore, MRHC Foundation Director. “His special humor and unique outlook on compassionate caring promise to make our planned events not only interesting but also fun!”

A morning lecture topic is scheduled on the “Joy of Caring’ for Saturday Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Life Church in McAlester.

Guest passes are available to this lecture geared to health, home and family care providers. For free guest passes, call the Foundation office at (918) 421-6767.

Later that evening, Patch will speak to the community on the topic “What is Your Love Strategy” at the Life Church from 6 - 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. The Life Church is located at 1300 S. George Nigh Expressway / Highway 69 in McAlester.

Special appearances are also scheduled by invitation only for businesses or individuals who buy sponsorships for the Patch Adams Day.

A variety of sponsor levels will include reserved seating at the evening lecture, a special book signing event at Whispering Meadows Vineyards and Winery and an invitation to ‘Clowning’ appearances at McAlester Regional Health Center and Van Buren House, MRHC’s residential care facility.

For more information about being a sponsor or purchasing individual tickets for Patch Adams events, phone the MRHC Foundation at (918) 421-6767.