USA Health hospitals welcome 40 teen volunteers for summer program
“We know this program has a positive, lasting impact on the teenagers and the patients and staff members they assist,” said Rebekah Blanchard, director of volunteer services at USA Health.
By Casandra Andrews
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This summer, USA Health, the academic health system for the University of South Alabama, is welcoming 40 teen volunteers to assist with a number of programs and projects while they learn more about careers in healthcare.
“We are excited to be able to welcome such a large group of students to our program this year,” said Rebekah Blanchard, director of volunteer services at USA Health. “We know this program has a positive, lasting impact on the teenagers and the patients and staff members they assist.”
At Children’s & Women’s Hospital, teen volunteers will help members of the Mapp Child & Family Life program with summer camps for pediatric patients. Themed camps are being held each week during summer break for pediatric patients and their siblings.
At University Hospital, teen volunteers assist staff members in Patient Access, where patients are admitted, in interventional radiology and with the jolly trolley, a rolling cart packed with treats to share with hospitalized patients.
The volunteers, who live in Mobile and Baldwin counties, attend a variety of high schools including the Alabama School of Mathematics & Science, McGill-Toolen Catholic, St. Paul’s Episcopal, Mobile Christian, Davidson, Robertsdale, Satsuma, Baker, UMS-Wright Preparatory, St. Luke’s Episcopal, Vigor, Saraland, Spanish Fort, Daphne, Murphy and Theodore.
Teen volunteers must be 16 years of age and have completed ninth grade. Volunteers are assigned a four-hour shift each weekday for the eight-week program. The teens are scheduled to work during day-shift hours only. At the end of the summer program, the students celebrate with an off-site party.
“We know that volunteering at our hospitals as a teenager – or at any stage of life – can be a valuable personal growth experience, as well as a wonderful way to support and invest in our community,” Blanchard said. “Volunteers help us with so many aspects of patient care, and we are so grateful for the support we receive day in and day out from these selfless individuals.”
For those ages 18 and older, volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year at USA Health hospitals. To learn more about how members of the community can take part, visit our website.
