The St. Lukes Hospital Geriatric Psychiatry Unit is ready for Christmas thanks to a recent donation of 12 afghans from Pure Country Weavers.

These afghans will be carefully wrapped, lovingly placed under the Christmas tree and graciously given to the patients who are on the unit at Christmas.

Started in 1988, Pure Country Weavers is one of the largest weavers today and the largest fine arts tapestry provider in the world.

This donation was a wonderful holiday surprise, said Wanda Thompson, Activities Director for St. Lukes Hospitals Geriatric Psychiatry Unit. I think it is wonderful that Pure Country cared enough about our patients to help us. Its very touching and wonderful to know that we will have a gift for each patient on the Unit on Christmas Day. For some, this may be the only gift they receive!

I am so excited for the Christmas party, said Thompson. I know each patient who receives one of these afghans will be so excited. This is what Christmas is all about giving to those in need.

As part of its mission to the community, St. Lukes Hospital offers a geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit. People in acute psychiatric crisis urgently require a safe environment, a structured and supportive social setting, and intense psychiatric and psychological therapeutic intervention.

The St. Lukes Hospital Geriatric Psychiatry Unit is a 10-bed, inpatient facility serving adults age 55 and over. The unit specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of diseases such as depression, anxiety and panic disorders, Alzheimers Disease and other dementias, Parkinsons, psychosis, bipolar and mood disorders and Schizophrenia.

Referrals are accepted from physicians, social services, family, friends, community providers, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, or self-referral. Staff is available for free in-home assessments to determine the appropriate level of care.

For more information about the St. Lukes Hospital Geriatric Psychiatry Unit, call 894-3525 ext. 3333.