YRMC’s Volunteers “Make A Difference” In October and Beyond
Hospital Recruits Volunteers As Part of International Celebration of Volunteers
Bob enjoys the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Department at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC).
Linda likes the smiles she brings to patients’ faces when she visits their hospital rooms with her yellow Labrador, Hunter as part of the hospital’s Pets Are Warm Support (PAWS) program.
Marie puts her retail knowledge to work in YRMC’s Gift Shop while Ellen’s strong organizational skills are valued in departments throughout the hospital.
More than 800 Quad Cities’ residents volunteer at YRMC. Like Bob, Linda, Marie and Ellen, their roles complement their individual talents and interests. They’re also essential to supporting YRMC’s total healing environment as well as the hospital’s team of healthcare professionals.
In October, YRMC begins an ongoing volunteer recruitment effort. The recruitment coincides with Make A Difference Day, a world-wide day of community service that takes place the fourth Saturday of October (Oct. 26, 2013). Make A Difference Day celebrates the power of people to make a difference by volunteering to improve the lives of others.
“Every day is Make A Difference Day for YRMC’s volunteers,” said Lynnel Walters, YRMC’s Volunteer Services Director. “Our volunteers come to YRMC from many backgrounds but all with the same desire to give back to the community by volunteering at the hospital.”
YRMC’s volunteer force ranges in age from 15 to 93. It runs the gamut from young people aspiring to careers in healthcare to retired law enforcement officers and local business professionals. The YRMC volunteer team even includes a former ballerina and a retired flight surgeon.
“YRMC’s volunteers are the most amazing, interesting and diverse group of people you’ll ever want to meet,” Walters said. “We’re seeing more men become involved in volunteering. What all of our volunteers have in common is a desire to help others.”
YRMC volunteers serve in many hospital areas and take on diverse roles, including:
- Administrative Support
- Art Therapy
- Emergency Department
- Gift Shop
- Information (Front Desk and other YRMC Reception Areas)
- Humor Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Patient Care Areas (Patient Ambassadors)
- PAWS
- Transportation (YRMC’s parking lots)
- Individualized Volunteer Experiences
From food to fitness, YRMC’s volunteers receive numerous benefits for their service, including:
- meals in the YRMC Cafeteria on volunteer days;
- a Gift Shop as well as a Pharmacy discount;
- annual health assessment;
- discounted rate for the Wellness Center at the YRMC Pendleton Center; and
- invitations to several Volunteer Services recognition events throughout the year.
Before joining YRMC, volunteers meet with the Volunteer Office staff to discuss their volunteer goals and interests. Once on board, volunteers participate in a hospital-wide orientation.
For more information about volunteering at YRMC, contact Lynnel Walters at (928) 771-5678.
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