Owensboro Health Honors Dove Trainer for Innovative Services to Patients Affected by Perinatal Loss

Pictured: Brittany James, Director of Maternity Services, Beth Steele, Chief Operating Officer, Richard and Sharon Russelburg, Jason Collins, Senior Director of Pharmacy and Travis Williams, Director of Pastoral Care. 

Last week, an appreciation ceremony was held to honor dove trainer Richard Russelburg. He joined Owensboro Health in 2014 to provide dove releases during memorial services for patients who have experienced infant loss and have been discharged from the hospital. 

This initiative is part of the Footprints on My Heart bereavement support program, which was established by Owensboro Health Pastoral Care in collaboration with Glenn Family Services. The program aims to provide ongoing support to patients who have gone through perinatal loss after leaving the hospital.

Richard recently decided to step down to dedicate more time to his family. Pastoral care, maternity services and members of leadership gathered to celebrate Richard’s contributions to the community through his unique offerings, which have positively impacted thousands of people over the past decade.

Richard initially started raising doves to share an activity with his grandson. He then began his dove release services with Glenn Family Services to offer impactful experiences during Memorial Day services and veteran funerals.

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary has generously funded the dove release program to help cover the costs of raising and training the doves. 

“Uniting all these teams to provide this service in our community has been achieved with excellence," said Travis Williams, Director of Pastoral Care. 

"Richard has a servant’s heart and has offered this service with respect and compassion for our patients," said Williams.

"His work genuinely makes a difference. People may not remember what I said at the service, but they will remember releasing a dove in honor of their loved one, bringing a little bit of joy and healing during their hardest times,” said Williams.

Allowing family members to release a dove adds a tangible and meaningful component to the bereavement service, making it impactful for both adults and children who participate.

“Supporting our families in infant loss is one of the most delicate, emotional and challenging aspects of care, and Richard has done that with grace, empathy and deep respect for our patients,” said Brittany James, Director of Maternity Services.

His work embodies Owensboro Health’s core commitments of excellence, innovation, integrity, respect, service and teamwork, all of which are essential for providing excellent and compassionate patient care.

"Richard's efforts have greatly contributed to the healing of the communities we serve. The peace, comfort and love symbolized by a dove are incredibly powerful," said Beth Steele, Chief Operating Officer. 

"He has created a lasting legacy for many people in our community and has helped us fulfill our mission,” said Steele. 

Our mission goes beyond healthcare, promoting overall well-being in our communities. In celebrating Richard, we reaffirm our commitment to compassionate care and remind ourselves that even small acts of kindness can have a profound and lasting impact.