On any given day, visitors to Northern Michigan Regional Hospital will see many Volunteers performing functions in a number of locations. The 317 Volunteers are community members from all walks of life who fundraise, network, and sing the praises of the quality care and services provided by Northern Michigan Regional Hospital, its Colleagues, and its providers. With over 33,000 hours logged in 2008, their remarkable talents and compassionate caring are shared throughout the Hospital. Their contribution is indeed remarkable.

Duties

Volunteer duties encompass every aspect of a hospitalization or a visit to the Hospital to see a friend or have a diagnostic procedure. Volunteers may greet you at the door, assist you to your room, prepare you for the surgical team, deliver patient mail while you are hospitalized, admit your family to the Benjamin B. Blum Hospitality House and offer them support, and escort you to the door upon discharge.

Volunteer Positions

Volunteers support: Administration, blood drives, the Chapel, Community Health Education Center, Emergency Department, Colleague Services, Guide Service, Northern Michigan  Regional Hospital Foundation, Gift Shop, Benjamin B. Blum Hospitality House, Medical Library, Materials Management, Medical Records, Pre-admitting, Patient Resources, Graphic Center, Risk Management, special projects, Radiology waiting room, Radiation Therapy, and uniform sales.

Volunteers act as: knitters, patient aides in surgical pre- and post-op, and patient aides in Physical Therapy.

Contributions

Since 1901, Volunteers have contributed to the success of the Hospital and the satisfaction of its patients through various fundraising efforts and sponsorship of patient wellness services, uniform sales, and Capital Campaign solicitations. In 2008, Hospital Volunteers provided ten scholarships in the amount of $500 each to students who have been accepted into an accredited healthcare services program.

Community Programs

As well as volunteering in the various areas of the Hospital, Volunteers also sponsor community-based programs such as the "First Grade Come and See" program, to acquaint elementary school children with the Hospital. The students roleplay both staff and patient during a mock hospitalization. They are then given the opportunity to experience a wheelchair ride, view x-ray pictures, and listen to the beating of their hearts through a stethoscope, followed by a tour of the Hospital.

Interested in becoming a Volunteer or need more information about volunteering at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital? Please contact Susan Stout via email or call 231.487.4111.