By Kathy L. Collins
Janice Doyle of Brandon is the 2014 Frist Humanitarian Award Volunteer recipient. The award was presented by Brandon Regional Hospital. Doyle has been a volunteer in the hospital’s auxiliary since August 2011 and participates in the Ambassador Program. This program seeks to provide volunteers to patients, who may not otherwise have anyone to speak to while hospitalized.
Doyle, a retired teacher and writer, began volunteering with her husband who is a volunteer trainer. Doyle has a terrific sense of compassion for those around her and was given the award because of her willingness to help anyone in the community. Doyle spoke of a homeless patient she met. “I listened to his story. He had no one in the world that cared about him,” said Doyle. Upon his discharge from the hospital, Doyle took him home and kept visiting him near the container where he lived. Doyle became involved in the community of homeless people.
Doyle also helped a family who was in crisis in December 2013. She provided them with a Christmas meal, Christmas tree and rallied others to purchase gifts for the children. All of this effort was done out of the goodness of her heart. The examples can be multiplied several times over in smaller acts of kindness or generosity.
The Frist Humanitarian Award honors outstanding individuals, such as Doyle, for humanitarian and volunteer services. The award is named in honor of the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., founder of HCA and a renowned humanitarian. This award recognizes individuals whose dedication and care-giving epitomize the highest standard of quality and personal commitment. Each nominee for the award is judged in the following four categories: level of commitment to the facility and patient care; level of commitment to the community; having a positive effect on others; and dependability, consistency and being people oriented.
Doyle said of the award, “I know how prestigious this award is, and it is an honor to receive it.” Doyle received a pin, a recognition certificate and a copy of Dr. Frist’s book, Good People Beget Good People.
Doyle would like the community to know that Brandon Regional Hospital offers a wide array of volunteer opportunities. “You can have direct patient contact, work behind the scenes or even work in the gift shop,” said Doyle.
For more information on Brandon Regional Hospital, visit www.brandonregionalhospital.com.
