FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cindy Deppe, media relations, 641-269-4834

April 1, 2008

PATCH ADAMS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR AT GRINNELL COLLEGE

GRINNELL, IA. - Dr. Patch Adams, the physician and clown portrayed in the popular 1998 movie, will make a public presentation on Fri., Apr. 11, at 7 p.m. in Herrick Chapel on the Grinnell College campus. A nationally known speaker on wellness, happiness, and humor, Adams will present "Your Love Strategy," providing his personal and professional insights into the importance of loving oneself, the planet, and others.

A social activist, Adams has devoted more than 30 years to changing the rising cost of healthcare and humanizing medicine. He is also the founder and director of The Gesundheit Institute, a holistic medical community in West Virginia that has provided free medical care to thousands of patients since 1971.

Adams adds his experience as a street clown to his training as a physician. In working with health and mental health professionals, he explores the relationship between humor and therapy using his unique blend of knowledge, showmanship, and hands-on teaching techniques.

The Patch Adams appearance is free, open to the public, and no tickets are required. Due to limited seating, attendees should expect that there may be a waiting line outside of Herrick Chapel, located at the intersection of 7th Ave. and Park St.

During his visit, Adams will also talk with Grinnell College students during a noontime presentation titled "The Joy of Caring" and make a "clowning" stop to visit patients at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Adams’ visit is sponsored by Grinnell College and coordinated by Alexandra Kossoy, a senior sociology major from Topeka, Kan.

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