Staff photo / R. Michael Semple Jefferson PK-8 School fourth graders went on a field trip Wednesday to St. Joseph Warren Hospital and visited with their pen pals who work at the hospital. Here, Sean King, 9, center, and his classmates examine a fully articulating adult simulator used in training.

WARREN — St. Joseph Warren Hospital welcomed fourth-grade students from Warren’s Jefferson PK-8 School Wednesday morning as part of its annual Pen Pal Program, which connects students with Mercy Health caregivers and associates through reading, writing and mentorship.

For the past 15 years, St. Joseph Warren Hospital has partnered with Jefferson Elementary fourth graders as pen pals throughout the school year. Each month, students and associates exchange letters focused on seasonal themes, holidays and personal interests, helping foster literacy, creativity and meaningful connections.

The program wraps up with a year-end visit to St. Joe’s, where students meet their pen pals in person and take part in hands-on activities, hospital tours and interactive learning experiences. Activities included creating get-well cards for patients, crafts, a simulation lab tour, a Stop the Bleed demonstration, among others. Students also shared lunch with their pen pals and received a book and a backpack filled with school supplies and goodies.

Beyond supporting literacy and mentorship, the program introduces students to careers in health care and highlights the many ways caregivers serve the community. Mercy Health, through St. Joseph Warren Hospital, also has supported the Jefferson School Closet for more than 30 years by providing clothing, food and other essential items for students and families in need.

“Over the years, this program has created meaningful connections between our associates and the students at Jefferson Elementary,” said Char Gardiner, St. Joseph Warren Hospital president. “It’s always exciting to welcome students to the hospital, introduce them to different health care careers and give them a behind-the-scenes look at how we care for our community. We hope experiences like this inspire them to keep learning, dream big and explore new possibilities for their future.”

While visiting their pen pals, Jefferson fourth-grader Elijah Bansler read the Pen Pal Poem, which thanks the hospital employees for their kindness and caring throughout the school year.