From comforting patients and lending a listening ear to helping visitors find gifts, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle”s more than 90 volunteers touch lives every day.
On Thursday, as part of National Healthcare Volunteer Week, which is being observed April 18-24, BMH-GT planned activities for their volunteers.
Fred Bell is among those who have given their time and effort at BMH-GT. Bell, who describes himself as a person who volunteers for things and does not “stick with them too long,” has been volunteering at the hospital for the past 13 years.
“I am the assistant treasurer for the auxiliary. I help with taking money to the bank for deposit, and do other things that are needed,” he said.
Bell, who has also been involved with the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers program and other organizations for many years, said he has always tried to volunteer where his services were needed.
“I have been in Columbus for 45 years, and I want to be where I can help others. I think if everyone donated an hour of their time each day to help make Columbus a better place to be, there is no telling what we could do,” he said.
Bell said he enjoys being a volunteer because he is a people person.
“We are blessed to have the people we have here as our volunteers. They are dedicated to what they do for the people here, not just the patients,” he said.
After 30 years as a secretary for the comptroller at Mississippi University for Women, Janet Woodruff retired and was looking for a way to stay active and meet new people.
“I have some friends from my church who were doing volunteer work here, and they said to come on and help,” she said.
Woodruff has worked as a volunteer in the hospital”s gift shop for 10 years. She said the most rewarding thing about working there has been meeting new people.
“Sometimes, they are in here to buy a gift for a new baby or a family member or friend in the hospital. It makes me feel good to meet them and help them find what they want,” she said.
Her gift shop co-worker, Doris Bankhead, is a retired school teacher who has been at BMH-GT since 1995. She, too, was looking for something to occupy her time. Being a volunteer allows her not only the chance to meet new people and sell gifts, but lend an ear when needed.
“Sometimes, people who have family or friends in the hospital need someone to talk to, and they need someone who”ll listen to them, to give them comfort. That can be a help,” she said.
Inga Barker helps patients by bringing them newspapers and other reading materials. She has performed this task for 12 years.
“I took care of my husband until he passed away. I always try to help the patients if they ask for something,” she said.
Like others, Barker said she enjoys working with people, and meeting new ones who come through the doors.
The hospital also has volunteer chaplains to provide comfort and encouragement when needed. Among those who help out is the Rev. Jessie Ray, who pastors at an Assemblies of God church in Starkville, and also serves as a supply pastor in Louisville and Nanih Waiya.
“I visit the rooms and have prayer with the patients for those who want to pray. I encourage them, let them know they are in good hands with the Lord and their doctor,” he said.
Allen Baswell was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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