USA Health hospitals welcome 67 volunteers for teen summer program
All three USA Health hospitals welcomed high school students interested in healthcare as a potential career path.
By Casandra Andrews
[email protected]
This summer, 67 students from high schools across the Gulf Coast are getting an up-close and personal look at a variety of healthcare careers through USA Health’s summer volunteer program.
The annual program kicked off in June at all three USA Health hospitals, welcoming high school students interested in healthcare who are supporting patient care and hospital operations while gaining firsthand knowledge about potential career paths.
“This program is an asset on so many levels,” said Rebekah Blanchard, director of volunteer services for USA Health, the academic health system for the University of South Alabama. “Our volunteers bring energy, compassion and extra support to our teams, and at the same time, these students gain meaningful experiences, build confidence and add insight into the potential healthcare careers that can shape their futures.”
The students attend high schools in Mobile County, Baldwin County, and at least one community in neighboring Mississippi.
The teens are serving in various roles at USA Health University Hospital, USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital, and USA Health Providence Hospital where placements are tailored to meet each facility’s needs and the interests of the volunteers.
At University Hospital, teens are placed in departments including Patient Access, Interventional Radiology and with the Jolly Trolley cart, which travels floor to floor delivering new personal care items, crossword puzzles, adult coloring books, and other comfort items to patients.
At Children’s & Women’s Hospital, teen volunteers are assigned to Pediatrics, where they are assisting with summer camp activities through the Mapp Child & Family Life Program. These volunteer roles focused on helping create a supportive, engaging environment for young patients and their families during hospital stays.
At Providence Hospital, teen volunteers assist in waiting rooms, escorting families back to consult spaces to talk with doctors, leading patients to get X-rays before surgery and keeping patient families informed on the progress of various procedures and operations.
Hospital leaders say the program helps strengthen connections between the health system and the community by giving local students a chance to contribute in a hands-on way.
The summer volunteer program runs for two months, with students committing to dedicated service hours while learning about professionalism, teamwork, and patient-centered care.
