Allegheny Health Network (AHN) will celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week April 17 – 23 throughout its 14 hospitals across western Pennsylvania and in New York.
The folks wearing the unmistakable red smocks—766 in total—support hospital staff, patients and visitors in a wide range of assignments, including baby cuddling, escorting patients and visitors and delivering mail and flowers to patients. They serve in various departments: cancer centers, emergency departments, information desks, coffee shops as well as many patient care units.
“Our volunteers enhance our patients’ experiences by sharing a warm smile, a friendly word and a tender touch when it’s needed most,” said Kelly Kassab, Chief Operating Officer for AHN Jefferson and Canonsburg Hospitals; Kassab provides network oversight of the volunteer managers. “Their compassion and willingness to contribute their gifts of time and talent are an inspiration to everyone around them.” In 2021, AHN volunteers contributed a remarkable 55,304 collective hours of service.
Although AHN’s volunteers are mainly composed of retirees with newfound time on their hands, a growing number of college students appreciate the opportunity to serve while learning more about the inner workings of a hospital and exploring potential career options within the healthcare realm.
Along with their day-to-day hospital duties, the volunteers routinely take on special initiatives, including “Cheers from Volunteers,” aimed at caring for the caregivers during the height of the pandemic. The volunteers donated snacks for staff members to thank them and recognize their efforts during an extraordinarily difficult time. “Instead of this being a temporary project like we originally intended, a few volunteers continue to provide snacks for staff on a regular basis,” said Mona Philson, Program Manager for Volunteer Resources at AHN Grove City. “Honestly, they wholeheartedly reap as much satisfaction and joy as the staff members who receive the goodies, and it’s been a win-win for all and a real display of care and concern by our volunteers from moment one.”
“This year’s theme is especially fitting because navigating a hospital, no matter the size, can be puzzling for patients and visitors,” said Kimberly Giovanelli, Director of Community Services and Volunteer Resources for AHN’s Allegheny Valley Hospital. “Our dedicated, helpful volunteers help smooth the process by getting them where they need to go.”
For information about volunteering at AHN, visit https://www.ahn.org/about/volunteering.html
