LUFKIN, TEXAS (April 20, 2017)… It takes hundreds, even thousands, of people to make a hospital flourish – from the business and billing departments to food service and housekeeping to, of course, nurses and technologists, each role is vital to successful patient outcomes. One critical component of CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Lufkin is the dozens of volunteers who diligently give their free time and service each day to the hospital, its patients and guests.
People around the world are experiencing a renewal of the volunteer spirit. But for the Memorial Volunteer Auxiliary, who recently celebrated 42 years of service to the hospital, volunteering is a way of life. This group of dedicated men and women collectively volunteer thousands of hours each year by giving back to their community through their work at Memorial.
“What they do seems rather simple, but it truly makes a difference in how we operate,” said CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Chief Operating Officer Shawn Barnett. “Whether it’s filling the lobby with the delicious smells of popcorn, pointing someone in the right direction or holding a hand in someone’s time of need, we are grateful for the service our volunteers provide each day.”
During National Healthcare Volunteer Week, recognized April 23-29, the Memorial Volunteer Auxiliary will host an open house event at the new Volunteer Auxiliary Center, located in the hospital’s main lobby. The volunteers invite the public to the come-and-go event on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and to also consider becoming a part of this incredible organization.
“We welcome folks to come by and see us and have a free cup of coffee,” said newly elected Memorial Auxiliary President Gloria Gregory. “We know being at the hospital for tests or to visit a loved one can be stressful. We’re here to offer a welcoming smile and a chance to just sit and relax.”
Gregory said the Auxiliary is always looking for new members. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and are required to work only 4 hours per week. Volunteers raise funds through the hospital gift shop, jewelry and scrub sales. They recently surpassed the $2 million mark in contributions to the hospital. Proceeds from the popcorn sales go toward scholarships for local students wanting to pursue a degree in the medical field.
Volunteers receive numerous benefits including:
Free lunch or dinner in the cafeteria on the day you work at the hospital
Free uniform furnished by the hospital
Free flu shot
Free mammogram for females under 65 (Hospital pays what insurance does not cover)
Free T.B. test
Free valet parking
CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial is part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), a national nonprofit health system based in Englewood, Colorado.
For more information about the Memorial Volunteer Auxiliary, call 639-7237.
Cutline: The CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Volunteer Auxiliary is made up of dozens of men and women dedicated who collectively volunteer thousands of hours each year to the hospital through answering phones, popping popcorn, greeting guests and operating the gift shop.
About CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial
CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial, part of a national nonprofit health system, provides more than a quarter of a million patient services and millions of dollars in local charity care and community support each year. With hospitals in Lufkin, Livingston, San Augustine and Memorial Specialty – the area’s only long-term acute care hospital – Memorial offers comprehensive, quality health care, including a free-standing emergency center and outpatient facilities and services. To learn more, visit CHIStLukesHealthMemorial.org. <http://www.chistlukeshealthmemorial.org/>
About Memorial Clinics
Memorial Clinics, a division of the CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial system, employs and partners with 40 primary care providers and specialists in 19 locations across East Texas. Memorial Clinics accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance. Visit memorialclinics.com <http://www.memorialclinics.com> to learn more about our physicians and connect with the personalized patient portal.
About CHI St. Luke’s Health
CHI St. Luke’s Health, a member of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), is comprised of three markets―CHI St. Luke’s Health is home of the Texas Heart Institute (THI), eight hospitals, eight emergency centers, Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Radiation & CyberKnife Center, and several St. Luke’s Medical Group locations throughout Greater Houston; CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial (three hospitals and a long-term acute care facility in East Texas); and CHI St. Joseph Health (five hospitals and several St. Joseph Medical Group locations across Brazos Valley). In addition, CHI St. Luke’s is a part of a joint venture agreement with Baylor College of Medicine, which encompasses Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Texas Medical Center. Together, CHI St. Luke’s Health, THI, and Baylor College of Medicine are transforming healthcare delivery with a mission to usher in a new era of healthcare to create healthier communities. Learn more at CHIStLukesHealth.org
About Catholic Health Initiatives
Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) is one of the nation’s largest health systems. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, CHI operates in 19 states and comprises more than 100 hospitals, including four academic medical centers and teaching hospitals; 30 critical-access
facilities; community health services organizations; accredited nursing colleges; home health agencies; and other services that span the inpatient and outpatient continuum of care. Learn more at catholichealthinitiatives.com
