Longview Regional Medical Center Celebrates National Volunteer Week

Special event to recognize contributions of volunteers

LONGVIEW, TX  (April 11, 2012) — It’s been said that many hands make light work – one of the many reasons that volunteers are a valued part of Longview Regional Medical Center. Volunteers are integral to Longview Regional’s commitment to the community, by supporting the hospital’s mission of providing comprehensive care – physical, emotional and spiritual – to the residents of the Longview community.

During National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, Longview Regional recognizes the many contributions that these important individuals make, year-round. This year’s celebration, themed Volunteers Spread the Seeds of Kindness, highlights the ways that volunteers improve the lives of others around them through their incredible spirit of giving.

A strong base of volunteers is essential to a community hospital. “Longview Regional is fortunate to have the active involvement of more than 90 caring, generous individuals from our community who lend their time and talents to enrich the lives of others,” says Melinda Whitehurst, Manager of Senior Circle and Volunteer Services.

The volunteers provide service at the Main Information Desk, Out Patient Surgery, Radiology, ICU Waiting, Emergency Room, Admissions, Skilled Nursing, Heart and Vascular Unit, 707 and 709 Information Desk, Patient Care Unit, Patient Comfort Visits, Senior Circle, Pet Visitation and many other departments.

The volunteer Auxiliary provided $6,100 in financial assistance to eleven non-profit local community organizations. In addition, they donated 33 fans to Longview Community Ministries and presented five  $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing studies in the medical field. The revenue generated from fairs provided assistance to several additional worthwhile projects throughout the year.

During 2011 alone, approximately 82 volunteers provided 18,458 hours of service to Longview Regional. Special activities are planned at the hospital to recognize volunteers as well as an Appreciation Luncheon to be held at Pinecrest Country Club on April 19 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Longview Regional Medical Center values the good work of their volunteers, volunteers like Lajuana Tackett, who has been a volunteer at Longview Regional for six years.  “I have found volunteering to be an extremely rewarding experience when visiting with patients or bringing my therapy dog to brighten their day. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.  They have certainly made a difference in mine.” Said Tackett.

Additional information on the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon or information on how to become a volunteer please contact Melinda Whitehurst, Manager of Senior Circle and Volunteer Services (903) 232-3776 or Melinda.Whitehurst@longviewregional.com.

About Longview Regional Medical Center:
Since 1980, Longview Regional Medical Center has been serving the healthcare needs of East Texas. With 131 beds, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including a Trauma Center, Women's Services, Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery, Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Diagnostic Imaging, Open Heart Surgery and more.