FMC column: Give the gift of your time as a volunteer at Fairfield Medical Center
It’s the holiday season and the time of year when many people start thinking about how they can give back to others. Whether you’re serving holiday meals at a local soup kitchen or delivering gifts to families in need, studies have shown that people who volunteer for their community are healthy, experience less stress and tend to live longer. At Fairfield Medical Center, we’re always looking for energetic and friendly volunteers to give of their time and skill sets in an environment where they can truly make a difference – and it’s a gift they can give all year round.
“I often hear volunteers say that they came to Fairfield Medical Center intending to give, but what they receive in the process is so much more,” said FMC Volunteer Coordinator Heidi Reed. “Our volunteers make up an important component of who we are and what we do at Fairfield Medical Center: they help our visitors and patients feel comfortable and safe while providing valuable support to our staff and providers.”
Currently, FMC has approximately 100 volunteers at both its Main and River Valley Campus locations. These volunteers are not only integral in giving each patient and visitor an experience unlike any other, but they play a vital role in the operation of each department. Every volunteer is matched to a job that fits their lifestyle, schedule and interests, with tasks that are rewarding and fun. Are you a social person who enjoys interacting with others? If so, a position greeting patients and visitors at the front desk might be a good fit for you. If you like to be more “behind-the-scenes,” you might prefer tasks such as stocking shelves or performing light clerical duties in a non-clinical department. If you have a pet that is good with people, pet therapy can help alleviate the anxiety that patients and visitors feel when they are in the hospital. This type of therapy is also beneficial for clinical staff members who, especially during a pandemic, are dealing with additional fatigue and stress.
Due to COVID-19, FMC’s volunteer program has put extra precautions in place to ensure the safety of all volunteers. Volunteers are required to have a background check and to receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccines, as well as wear a mask while they are in the facility. If you are hesitant about volunteering in an area where you may have interaction with patients who are ill, Heidi can work with you to find a position that fits your comfort level. With more than 20 different volunteer opportunities to choose from, you can give your time in a variety of service areas that require little to no interaction with patients.
Ready to start making a difference as an FMC volunteer? Applications are available online or at the North and Main Information desks at the Main Campus. To learn more, contact Volunteer Coordinator Heidi Reed at 740-687-8109 or heidire@fmchealth.org.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Give the gift of your time as a volunteer at Fairfield Medical Center
