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By Andrea Nagel
In the fast-paced world
of health
care, it is easy for staff, patients
and visitors to feel overwhelmed
or stressed. When time is short
and stakes are high, an extra hand
to take care of paperwork, make
deliveries or lend moral support can
make a big difference. It is in these
moments that the volunteers of the
Kootenai Health Auxiliary excel.
“We’re there not just to help em-
ployees and make their jobs easier,
but also to help patients and their
families reduce their stress,” said
Paula Meyer-Megadya, Auxiliary
President. “We’re here to listen and
help where we can.”
Kootenai Health has one of the
strongest hospital volunteer pro-
grams in the Northwest, consisting
of the Auxiliary for adult volun-
teers, the Nightingales for retired
nurses, the teen volunteer program,
Mended Hearts for cardiac patients
and Safe Kids for injury prevention.
These volunteers provide a variety
of services—from escorting patients
and running errands for staff to cre-
ating a welcoming environment in
waiting areas. Kootenai volunteers
annually donate more than 35,000
hours in service to the health of our
community.
A G R O W I N G N E E D
“We have a need for volunteers in
all areas right now,” Paula said.
“With the hospital transitioning
into a larger facility, the need for
volunteers is increasing. We work
with each of our new volunteers to
find the best fit for them. If they
want to be busy and on their feet,
Making a
Difference
PICK THE
BEST FIT
FOR YOU
The Kootenai Health Auxiliary is
currently looking for volunteers
to help in the following areas:
Cancer Services
◗
◗
Volunteers pick up and deliver
mail from the main hospital,
run general errands for staff,
prepare coffee for patients and
families, and greet them as
they arrive.
Delivery Services
◗
◗
Volunteers deliver personal
mail, flowers and gifts to pa-
tients at Kootenai Health.
Escort and Errand
◗
◗
Volunteers here answer
telephones, transport patients
and run general errands upon
request.
Family Birth Center Gift Shop
and Main Gift Shop
◗
◗
Volunteers assist customers
with purchases, handle trans-
actions, stock shelves, and
help with flower orders, cards
and baby gifts.
Kootenai Senior Care
◗
◗
Volunteers have the opportunity
to visit with seniors and help
facilitate activities, games and
much more.
Way-Finding Support
◗
◗
Volunteers work with registra-
tion staff to offer patient trans-
port, give directions, and walk
patients, family members and
visitors to their desired loca-
tions throughout the hospital.
V O L U N T E E R S O F F E R H E L P A N D
S U P P O R T W H E N I T ’ S N E E D E D M O S T
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