ARMCs Volunteer Program Making A Difference Since the 1900s

The ARMC Volunteer Program has been an instrumental group at the hospital for nearly 100 years. The ARMC Volunteer Management Department’s mission is to gather a team of volunteers that will help work to provide assistance and overall support for the patients, families, staff and visitors. Although the program wasn’t formally organized until 1958, there have been helpful hospital volunteers since the early 1900s. According to Volunteer Program Coordinator Pat Redinger, the program consists of a myriad of volunteers ranging from adults to teens that come in on their own time to help out the hospital, the staff, and the patients throughout different departments within the hospital. “We have volunteers in the clinic, radiology, the ER...we have some in almost every department,” Redinger explained. Upon applying to be a volunteer, each person has the ability to request a certain department they would like to work in or a specific duty they would like to do. If the position is available, they get the spot. Most of the teens work with the patients in recovery. Redinger explained that the teen volunteers like to be active; when working with patients on the road to recovery they have a number of responsibilities, including keeping the patient company, assisting them and escorting them. “Those patients need that type of assistance, and the teen volunteers really like that department,” Redinger said. Rialto resident Sue Buhl has been volunteering at the hospital for eight months, three days a week, and has assisted various departments. “Sue is an amazing volunteer," Redinger shared. “I’ve volunteered in the pediatric ward. I was able to see all the new babies and give out little hats, shirts, and throws,” Buhl explained. “Everyone was so appreciative.” Buhl also had the opportunity to visit the patients who have been in the hospital for a long period of time. She added, “It’s really good to spend time with them.” She is currently volunteering at the information desk. “I love it. I feel like I do very well there. My main goal coming in here was to be kind and helpful to people,” Buhl said. According to Buhl, being a volunteer is much more rewarding for her than the people she is actually helping. “I get out a lot from volunteering. It’s so worthwhile when you can make someone’s day by simply putting a smile on their face,” she shared. “Giving back is something we all need to do.” Redinger added, “The act of volunteering is so fulfilling. You’ll leave here with that ‘wow’ feeling.” To become a volunteer, you may apply online at www.arrowheadmedcenter.org under the “Get Involved” tab, or feel free to walk in the ARMC and apply in person. “We have amazing people here. I am the luckiest person since I get to work with such great people,” said Redinger. Some key volunteer positions include: escorting patients and visitors throughout the hospital, assisting with concierge services, connecting with patients through the Friendly Visitor or Living History programs, providing pet therapy services, coordinating the Children’s Reading Program, assisting with bilingual visitors, providing spiritual care to patients and families, etc. ARMC Volunteers also provide a variety of things to the patients including: knitted beanies and booties to newborns, quilts to patients for comfort, a clothes closet for patients who do not have proper clothing, and gifts for patients during the holidays.