Baltimore, MD (July 17, 2025) – GBMC HealthCare is proud to announce the addition of a 2-year-old yellow lab to its Child Protection Program (CPP) team. Olivia will serve as an invaluable support to children undergoing trauma-related exams and interviews, offering comfort and a calming presence during an incredibly challenging time.
Olivia, a facility dog placed through a partnership with Hero Dogs, a Montgomery County-based nonprofit, is specifically trained to assist children in crisis. As part of GBMC’s collaboration with the Child Advocacy Center (CAC), Olivia will accompany young patients for non-acute exams related to sexual assault, child abuse, and neglect, as well as during forensic interviews at the CAC.
"It takes that initial anxiety away from coming into a new environment,” Sarah Perl, MSN, CRNP A/P, Medical Director for the Child Protection Program at GBMC and Olivia’s primary handler, said. “Many of these kids have other traumas they are working with, or this is not the first time something like this has happened. Olivia is another layer of support and comfort we can add to their experience.”
Olivia is specially trained to recognize signs of anxiety, such as wringing hands or tapping feet, and provides physical comfort, including snuggles or applying pressure to help ground children. She also offers practical support by sitting in a chair or retrieving tissues. In the long term, Olivia will also be available in the courtroom to support kids when they’re testifying against their abusers.
The partnership between GBMC and the Child Advocacy Center allows Olivia to be a shared resource, providing emotional support to children at both locations. The first six months of Olivia’s time at GBMC will be a “getting-to-know-you” period, during which her handlers, Perl and CAC Co-Director Krista Trahan, will continue to build a routine with her.
Krista Trahan (L) and Sarah Perl (R) with Oliva
Photo Credits: Tyler Scheff, GBMC HealthCare
“In such a short time, Olivia has already proven to be an effective coping mechanism for children,” Trahan said. “Her presence is powerful. It’s such a delight to have that option available to provide to families. You can see the immediate calming impact she has on the kids from the moment they see her.”
Hero Dogs, founded in 2009, prides itself on providing customized training for each dog to meet the specific needs of their placements. They offer monthly check-ins at first, and then lifetime on-call support for their clients.
The CAC applied for a grant that will supply food and other essentials for Olivia, and Dr. Kim Hammond at Falls Road Animal Hospital has generously provided free veterinary care for Olivia. All of these resources ensure Olivia remains healthy and ready to continue her important work as a facility dog for GBMC and the community.
About GBMC HealthCare
Since its founding in 1965, GBMC has been known as an outstanding, independent community hospital, validating the vision of our founders to combine the best of community and university-level medicine. Our 275-bed, acute and sub-acute care hospital in Towson handles more than 23,000 admissions and more than 52,000 emergency room visits annually. With GBMC Health Partners, we have established 11 advanced primary practices throughout the region, working to keep people well by coordinating preventive care and the management of chronic disease. We are also committed, in every specialty, to provide culturally competent care and service of the highest quality to every patient, every time with the goal of health equity for all.
Media contacts: Krystina Wales – 410-952-2558 or [email protected]
