Volunteer Voice

THE VOLUNTEER VOICE News and Notes for the Volunteers of Augusta University and AU Health

October 2017

Fall in Love with Volunteering October has arrived, and along with it, we’d like to share some updates on what’s happening around Augusta University and AU Medical Center. In this quarterly newsletter, we will share some of our latest volunteer events and stories along with updating you on upcoming events to get involved with. Enjoy!

AU Volunteens Hard at Work

“Alone we can do so

The Volunteen groups have been working hard this fall serving our patients and the community. Our Fall teen program includes twenty-three dedicated local high school students who volunteer on a weekly basis in various departments around the medical center. Additionally, twelve of these motivated volunteers also serve on our Volunteen Board. This group also meets monthly and volunteers at various community events including, most recently, the Pink Pumpkin party (pictured below).

little; together we can

We are also proud to announce the recent kickoff of our Volunteen ICU Drive.

We have patients from all over the region and often their families find themselves without the basis necessities like personal care items and food. These donations will help make their time at our medical center a much more positive and comfortable experience. If you’d like to donate to the ICU Drive, please call our office at 706-721-3596 and we’ll help get you connected.

do so much.”

- Helen Keller

Save the Date!

November 14 and 15 Sparkle Life-Sterling Silver Swarovski Jewelry Fundrasider-CHOG Lobby

December 7, 2017 Volunteer Services Winter Wonderland Holiday Reception-Professional Builiding Lobby-5:30pm

December 11 and 12 Masquerade-$5 Accessories and Gift Super Sale CHOG Lobby

AU Volunteen Board at the 2017 Pink Pumpkin Party

VolunJAGS in Action Augusta University has 31 committed students who make up the Fall 2017 VolunJAG program. These students are serving throughout Augusta University and AU Medical center by volunteering with our patients and in our clinics.

For the first time, JAGS will be participating in service events around the CSRA such as: Day of Service, The AU Tree Lighting, and the Cyber Conference.

The JAGMAG Challenge We need your gently loved magazines! The JAGMAG Challenge program (sponsored by our VolunJags) is a hospital wide initiative to donate new or lightly used magazines for our waiting rooms. This effort helps to ensure that our patients and families have quality reading materials while awaiting service. We encourage faculty, staff, and students to participate. Drop off locations are Volunteer Services office, (AA 2004) South Entrance Lobby of the hospital, CHOG Lobby, and the 2nd floor intersection.

Volunteer Spotlights NICU Volunteer Sara Kift was hired as a NICU Occupational Therapist. Sara served as a NICU Volunteer for four months, where she assisted staff members and spent time soothing some of our tiniest patients . Her positive attitude and dedication as a volunteer helped her land this position. Congratulations Sara!

We Need You! Are you ready to make a difference? We are now recruiting for new volunteer roles in AU Medical Center and we need your help spreading the word.

Volunteer Roles Needed We are currently looking for new volunteers to help in key roles for departments such as: Pet Partner Escorts, Kidney Transplant Liaisons, Inpatient Liaisons, and Healing Artists and Musicians, Apply Today!

For more details and to apply for these opportunities please contact Volunteer Services or visit our website, www.augustahealth.org/ volunteer

Giving from the Heart Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church members collect snacks and drinks for our Shock Trauma ICU waiting room. This is a great contribution to our families as they patiently await updates and information about their loved ones.

Big THANKS all the members of Wesley Chapel!

Hayley Lonai previously volunteered in our Pediatric Hemoc Clinic. She donated a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) bike to our MS Clinic.

For patients with MS, symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and other symptoms make it almost impossible to enjoy a bike ride. This will be a great asset to the MS Clinic and our patients.

Thank you Hayley for such a kind and generous donation!

Pet Therapy Since the start of our adult pet therapy program, it has grown rapidly to include one visit per week! We visit the Trauma ICU/Surgical ICU waiting rooms, Cardiology, Surgical Subspecialty waiting rooms, 4 South Surgery, 3 South Behavioral Health, and 8 West Day Surgery. These adorable dogs are here to ease patient and family stress and anxiety. Be on the lookout for our furry friends around the hospital!

Annual Volunteer Health and Information Update Clinic Dozens of volunteers came out to see us on in early October for the 1st Annual Volunteer Update Clinic. This clinic was offered free of charge to volunteers of Augusta University and AU Medical Center. Participants received a free on-thespot flu shot and TB tests for their convenience. Additionally, door prizes were awarded to those who participated. As a reminder, A flu shot and TB test is required for all volunteers and employees at Augusta University and AU Medical Center by November 1st. Thank you to all who volunteered and participated in this clinic!

Important Note All Volunteer Annual Updates are due by November 1st.

Please email forms to volunteers@augusta.edu, or bring them to Volunteer Services office.

Our office is open MondayFriday 8:00am-5:00pm.

Healing through Art: Shanda Kessler This month, we are proud to feature, Augusta University art program alumna, Shanda Kessler as our Healing Artist spotlight. Shanda’s art features playful, happy images that evoke a sense of childhood. Please take a moment to check out her pieces on the second floor gallery wall of the Medical Center. Her art is also available for sale with a portion of proceeds benefitting our patients through the Healing Arts program.

Change is in the Air!

Contact Us

Over the last several months, new employee uniforms have been implemented across our medical center. Now, it’s our turn! Each of our volunteers are a key member of our patient care team and it’s important we look the part so that our patients and employees can easily identify our fantastic volunteers!

Give us a call today for more information about volunteering at Augusta University

Our new uniform will consist of a light weight teal scrub jacket with volunteer logo to be worn with khaki bottoms, white shirt and comfortable, closed toe shoes.

There will be a uniform fee of $20 due at pick up to partially offset the cost of these higher quality uniforms. All hospital volunteers will need to purchase the new uniform in order to remain active and in good standing. Please contact Volunteer Services for additional information. We can’t wait to see everyone in their new jackets!

Office of Volunteer Services and Engagement 1120 15th St. AA-2004 Augusta, GA 30912 Office: (706) 721-3596 volunteers@augusta.edu Visit us on the web at www.augustahealth.org/ volunteer