USA Health teen volunteers log more than 1,125 hours this summer
“We know through surveys and feedback that this program has a meaningful and lasting impact on the volunteers, patients, and staff members at our hospitals,” said Rebekah Blanchard, director of volunteer services.
By Casandra Andrews
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This summer, 40 teen volunteers serving with USA Health, the academic health system for the University of South Alabama, logged more than 1,125 hours as they assisted with a variety of hospital programs and projects.
At University Hospital, teen volunteers helped 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.
One volunteer who spent time taking the trolley to patient rooms said it was fulfilling to see the joy that delivering treats brought to patients at University Hospital.
“Being able to brighten someone’s day and make their pain or stay just a little bit better was very rewarding,” the volunteer said.
At Children’s & Women’s Hospital, teen volunteers assisted members of the Mapp Child & Family Life Program with weekly summer camps for pediatric patients and their siblings. Themed camps were held each week during the summer for students who were hospitalized.
A summer camp volunteer said her favorite part of the experience was “forming connections with the kids and noticing a positive change in behavior when they were with us.”
While the volunteer program provides assistance to various hospital departments during the summer, the teens often come away with memories and lessons they take with them into adulthood. “I think that the volunteer experience and program were amazing,” one volunteer said. “There is nothing I would want to change. The staff was extremely helpful in guiding us through any issues!”
Teen volunteers must be 16 years old 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. This year, teen volunteers were provided with a certificate acknowledging their service and signed by hospital CEOs.
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. Current USA Health employees are not eligible to volunteer.
