Hospital Honors Volunteers with Heart

Redlands Community Hospital hosted a reception to celebrate local volunteers for National Volunteer Week on April 15. The “Volunteers, A Work of Heart” event honored the hundreds of volunteers who donate countless hours to benefit the hospital, and the wellbeing of the community. The thousands of hours of personal service that the volunteers provide is one of the things that makes Redlands Community Hospital outshine similar medical facilities, said Harvey Hansen, Vice President of Professional and General Services at Redlands Community Hospital. Last year alone, more than 48,000 hours were donated to the hospital by its dedicated volunteers. “This year’s theme, ‘Volunteers, A Work of Heart’, is very fitting,” explained Hansen. “Within our world of healthcare, our volunteers truly bring a special difference from their ‘heart’ to their role here at the hospital. As important members of the hospital’s healthcare team, they are an integral part of our service and are not taken for granted.” Harvey continued, “Works of the heart need not be grandiose, because they are personal and sincerely expressed. They are true gifts, and these gifts are shared every day with patients and with those who come to Redlands Community Hospital.” Volunteers play a vital role in many areas including: admitting, the gift shop, nursing units, pharmacy, information desks, emergency services, outpatient service areas, clerical areas and volunteers even lend a hand in fundraising through quilting and sewing projects. Thanks to their dedication, volunteers have helped the hospital with the expansion of services through assisting at monthly blood drives. The volunteers support and watch over staff and community members as they give the gift of life through blood donations, helping the hospital help patients through more than 4000 units of blood used each year. One of the other areas of expansion over the past year has been visitor and patient shuttle services. Volunteer shuttle drivers assist thousands of guests and staff every month to and from the parking lot to the hospital doors. The program expansion includes the increase of available drivers in response to need, with the service being welcomed by many before they even step foot inside the hospital’s hallways. Several awards were handed out at the event; the “Rookie of the Year” award went to Volunteer Chaplain Roscoe Benjamin, who is known to stop to connect directly with many patients and kindly provides a listening ear, words of encouragement, spiritual direction or whatever else may be needed. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Betty DeLeon, who has volunteered at the hospital for over 10 years, contributing more than 4,300 hours. DeLeon, who serves as the Recording Secretary for the Auxiliary Board, has been a Patient Ambassador, Volunteer Escort, and currently serves at the Main Information Desk and the Surgery Waiting area. “National Volunteer Week is a time for us to reflect on our accomplishments and the contributions we have made as volunteers," said Tom Niblack, Auxiliary President, during the event. “Recognizing the efforts we put forth and the difference we have made is truly a life changing event for us and the lives we touch. Each of you gives the gift of time without condition or reservation, adding a heightened element to our patients’ and visitors’ experience. Your work is appreciated and your dedication to the hospital is of great value.” The President’s Volunteer Service Award was created to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. It is also the only presidential award that is available to the general public without having to be nominated or judged on criteria. It is an award that allows citizens to be honored and recognized for service that is important to them. To date, Redlands Community Hospital has recognized more than 50 volunteers for achieving this lifetime award, adult volunteers attaining 4000 hours of service or high school students reaching 250 hours of service. The hospital also recognizes volunteers each year, for their years-of-service and/or hours donated as they reach certain levels. Annually, volunteers have an opportunity to be recognized through the Mary Kimberly-Shirk nominations. More than 300 community members volunteer at Redlands Community Hospital, with 78 percent of the volunteers aged 18–95; 22 percent of volunteers are high school students ages 15–graduation. Volunteers typically give 2-4 hours per week and travel from as far as Rancho Cucamonga, Murrieta, San Jacinto and Idyllwild to volunteer at the hospital.