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Contra Costa Regional Medical Center volunteers provided 31,000-plus service hours in 2016
MARTINEZ, Calif. – National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteering on our communities. On Saturday, April 22, the 49th Annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast was sponsored by the medical staff and the auxiliary of Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC), Martinez. Rhonda Smith is the volunteer program coordinator. She opened the meeting with a welcome and introduction of officers.
“During National Volunteers Week, we celebrate the power of volunteers who make a difference, and recognize extraordinary individuals who are at the center of social change,” Smith said.
She then introduced the volunteers with the most service hours for 2016. They are Linda Waxman (1,133 hours), Richard Frith (1,110), Jo-Ann Lee (736), Bill Cunningham (586) and Maria Jimenez (538).
Statistics show that in 2016, there were 314 volunteers that produced a total of 31,145 hours of service at CCRMC. These volunteer hours are valued at $886,386.70; special events and auxiliary fundraisers earned $6,135.11. Donations in kind (flowers, baby layettes, bereavement items), plus monetary donations totaled $51.678.
Smith then recognized each group of volunteers and applauded them for their service.
Manning the Front Desk is an important first contact with the community, providing diretions, wheelchairs and information. Those volunteers include Sandra Janessa, Elsa Borajas, Donna Mendes, Taylor Pettit, Joe O’Leary, Sandra Janessa, Elsa Borajas, Donna Mendez, Taylor Pettit, Joe O’Leary, Sandra Larioso, Maria Garcia, Nykela Brown, Yesseria Aguilar and Richard Frith.
The Gift Shop volunteers/auxiliary members operate the shop, do special event fundraisers to earn funds, and dispense magazines to the clinics. The CCRMC Auxiliary donated $18,024.94 in 2016 for requests to benefit patients and staff. Volunteers are Florence Berghuis, Pat Harris, Susan Tunison, Maria Tersea, Mary Lou Lucas, Judith Papas, Una Bonnick, Drea Smith and Janet Betz.
Spiritual Care Givers provide a special role of counseling, comfort and prayer. They are Sylvia Lackore, Anita Mendez, Lorna Aylard, and Stathie Michaud.
The Doula Volunteer Program provides trained Doulas to give family support to pregnant women during labor and delivery, as well as after delivery. CCRMC Doulas include Jennifer Grand-Legano, Melissa Darby, Madeline Hatch, Kaila Chan, Maria Fogli, Michelle Barahoma and Alma Safaie.
Special Interest Volunteers include Pat and Bill Chase (pet care), Lillian Villanciano (expressive art), Ryan Westman (ward service), Kathy Gannon-Briggs (outpatient surgery) and Ron Goodyear (piano entertaining in lobby).
Rhonda Smith concluded the meeting, and a breakfast was served by Chef Jamie Collier.
“Through service, we come together to tackle tough challenges, create change and build stronger, more vibrant communities,” said Deloris McDonald, publicity chairman.
New volunteers are always welcome at CCRMC. As you can see, there are many avenues of service. Visit http://cchealth.org/medicalcenter/volunteer.php or call (925) 370-5440 for more information on volunteering.
