Community members who are interested in becoming volunteers are invited to a recruitment event Wednesday at Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, officials announced.
In a press release, AHUV spokeswoman Cici Winiger explained that the hospital is “looking to recruit more individuals looking to give back to the community, (and is) hosting a Volunteer Open House on Wednesday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., in the Surgery Lobby of the hospital, to allow those interested in learning more about sharing their time and skills as a volunteer.”
Winiger describes volunteers at the hospital as working “in several critical areas, and that the opportunities to serve and build connections are abundant.” Many of the current volunteers will be on-hand at the open house, sharing “their experiences and the vital support they provide for the hospital’s programs and departments,” Winiger noted.
“(Volunteers) can play a key role in welcoming our patients and visitors, provide directions and escort visitors to other areas of the hospital,” Reba Smith, patient experience and volunteer coordinator, is quoted as saying in the press release. “We can also use more support in the gift shop, where volunteers help stock our inventory or help families find the perfect gift for their loved ones. For those who love doing clerical tasks, and supporting behind the scenes, there are many departments who can use their skills as well.”
As an example of someone filling a “non-traditional volunteer role,” Winiger points to Shannon Sims, who “comes in on a biweekly basis to play her harp for patients and staff alike, providing comfort and a pleasant distraction for those recovering from an illness or procedure at the hospital.”
“Music has a way of connecting people and lifting our spirits,” Becky Hope, Patient Experience manager is quoted as saying. “Volunteer musicians like Shannon play an important role in helping us provide whole person care, beyond medical care.”
Offering another kind of comfort are volunteers Liz Crook, Laura Mares, and a dog named Flavio, “a trio who makes the rounds regularly as part of the pet therapy program, spreading much-needed ‘paw-sitive’ energy and smiles to both patients and staff in patient rooms, offices and outpatient clinics.”
“We are thankful to our volunteers for their sacrifice of time and skills to serve our community,” Jeff Mock, Adventist Health Ukiah Valley Operations Executive, is quoted as saying. “They bring invaluable contributions to our patients and team. Our volunteers are a force for good as they live out our mission to inspire health, wholeness and hope throughout our hospital and community. And no matter your skill, age or passion, we have many opportunities for everyone, and I encourage you to join us as a volunteer.”
Winiger also notes that volunteers can also reap benefits from sharing their time, “including improved mental and physical health. Research has found that volunteering among adults, aged 60 and over, provided benefits to physical and mental health. Research also has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older.”
More information and applications for the volunteer program will be available during the Volunteer Open House in the Surgery Lobby, located by the hospital’s Gift Shop at 275 Hospital Drive in Ukiah.
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