LRH Recognizes National Volunteer Week
In acknowledgement of April 19 through 25 as National Volunteer Week, Lakes Regional Healthcare (LRH) is recognizing the contributions the volunteers offer to patients, visitors, and staff.
According to hospital Vice President of Administrative Services Jennifer Gustafson, “The volunteers devote so much time and energy to the patients and visitors. Their efforts not only make the experiences for patients and visitors that much more positive while here, they also help our staff save time and energy. We really appreciate and value their contributions.”
The hospital’s volunteer group, Lakes Regional Healthcare Volunteers, has over 300 members. Of these, approximately 100 work in the hospital in various capacities. LRH Volunteers President Alida Millikan said, “Volunteers can work in four different areas within the hospital - in the Gift Shop, at the Visitors Reception Desk, at the Patient Reception Desk, or as a Messenger. The individual volunteers choose which area or areas they prefer to work, and then undergo orientation for that specific area. People can volunteer as little as one four-hour shift per month or several times per month. There’s something for everyone.”
Depending on the area, volunteers may greet and direct patients and visitors, offer information and assistance, deliver paperwork, mail, and messages to various departments throughout the hospital, and assist customers in the Gift Shop. Other activities involve working outside the hospital by sewing stuffed animals for children that receive care in the hospital’s emergency room, coordinating scholarships and grants for hospital staff and local students, calling and checking on area residents that live alone and participate in the Telecare program, and working with hospice patients and their families.
Millikan said, “People realize volunteering is a great way to meet others and contribute something valuable while they’re at it. We have a lot of volunteers, but we’re always in need of more.”
Anyone interested in becoming a hospital volunteer can contact Alida Millikan at 832-9825. |
