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Hats Off to the Burgundy Vests
The minutes seem like hours as you sit in the lobby at MeritCare Emergency Center. You know your elderly mom is in good hands and you'll soon get word that you can go back and see her – but for now you wait. Lost in a world of worry, you hear a soft voice greet you. You look up and see a young woman wearing a "MeritCare volunteer" name badge. She introduces herself and you begin to visit. Just her kind voice and genuine interest calm you.
Every day MeritCare volunteers reach out to patients and families. With ready smiles and helping hands, they greet guests, answer questions and show the way to destinations throughout our clinics and hospitals. They also rock babies in the nursery, offer coffee to waiting family members, lend a listening ear and much, much more.
"We're here for one reason only: to meet the needs of patients and families. That's where our work begins," says Mary Carlson, manager of volunteer services. MeritCare's 632 volunteers serve in several areas including MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center, guest services, children's hospital, gift shops and hospital family rooms.
Who are the volunteers? Ranging in age from 17 to 87, they may be college students with an interest in health care. Working people whose lives were touched by MeritCare. Empty nesters who want to feel needed again. Retirees who like to stay connected. All share a heart for people and a love for community.
During National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, take a moment to thank a volunteer. At MeritCare, you can easily recognize them by their burgundy vests. And one more way: they look you in the eye, introduce themselves and ask how they can help.
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Posted Date: April 2009