NYC Health + Hospitals / Jacobi | North Central Bronx CEO Christopher Mastromano announced today that the hospital is now accepting applications for this year’s Therapy Dog Training Program. The program allows trained volunteers to bring their furry friends into the hospital setting to interact with patients who request a visit.
Image caption: Cooper, a therapy dog at NYC Health + Hospitals / Jacobi | North Central Bronx, wearing a hat a patient knitted for him.
The Therapy Dog Program has always popular with Jacobi and North Central Bronx Hospital patients and staff, but it has also been shown to have beneficial health outcomes for those receiving care within the facility, particularly for those with extended hospital stays. Interacting with a trained therapy dog can help patients in long term recovery by reducing stress and anxiety, as well as feelings of loneliness. This can result in improved moods, and lowering blood pressure for patients.
Those looking to apply for the program must ensure their dog meets the following criteria:
- be older than sixteen (16) months;
- have basic obedience skills;
- be friendly with people and other animals;
- be able to commit to visiting Jacobi and/or North Central Bronx Hospital on a monthly basis.
The deadline to apply is May 17, 2026.
“This program has been shown to have such a dramatically positive impact on our patients,” said Mr. Mastromano. “When patients see a dog walking through the facility, it can serve as a reminder of when they will be returning home.”
“Our Therapy Dog Program makes a big difference in the lives of our patients and helps to improve the patient experience here at Jacobi and North Central,” said Donna Geiss, Patient Experience Officer for NYC Health + Hospitals / Jacobi | North Central Bronx.
One such volunteer is Kathie Jochen who brings her Old English Sheepdog, Cooper, for weekly visits to the Behavior Health Units. Together, they have volunteered with the program for nine years.
“It has been a wonderful experience for both of us. For me, it is a way to give back. I have spent a lot of time in the hospital by myself and I know how isolating it can be,” said Jochen, “It is very rewarding to see our patients’ faces light up when they see Cooper coming towards their room.”
One such patient was so grateful for Cooper’s companionship that she knitted him a hat to wear.
If you believe you and your dog would qualify and are interested in a training class, please contact George at 914-263-5396 or at georgepb37@gmail.com. Additional questions about the program can be directed to Barbara Foote at 718-918-3392 or footeb@nychhc.org.
About NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
NYC Health + Hospitals / Jacobi is a 457-bed teaching hospital affiliated with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The facility has earned numerous Center of Excellence designations, accreditation, and recognition for its renowned Level 1 Trauma Center, Burn Center, Surgical Intensive Care Unit, regional Stroke Center, Snakebite Treatment Center, Breast Health Center, Bariatric Surgery Center, and Cancer Service. The facility also offers the region’s only multi-person hyperbaric chamber, allowing up to nine patients to dive together at one time. Jacobi’s Ambulatory Care Pavilion is a stunning complement to its inpatient acute care, allowing staff to provide patients with high-quality service in a modern, state-of-the-art environment. For more information, please visit nychealthandhospitals.org/jacobi/.
About NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
NYC Health + Hospitals / North Central Bronx is a member facility of the New York City Health + Hospitals system, one of eleven acute care facilities within the City of New York. A 215-bed community hospital, North Central Bronx Hospital specializes in women’s and children’s services. It also provides Behavioral Health acute and ambulatory care. Its busy outpatient department has led the way in community-based care delivered in a compassionate and culturally-appropriate manner. Its Labor and Delivery service safely brings more than 1,000 babies into the world each year. North Central Bronx Hospital is committed to providing safe, high-quality medical care for any and all in need. For more information, please visit nychealthandhospitals.org/north-central-bronx/.
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealth—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, please visit nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
