By Kathy L. Collins
The Brandon Regional Hospital Auxiliary has a wide array of volunteer opportunities available for anyone who is 18 years and older. Positions include working in Patient Dispatch, the Gift Shop and in Patient Services. Carolyn Tetreault has been with the Brandon Regional Hospital Auxiliary for nine years and currently serves as First Vice President.
“Patient Dispatch acts as the errand boys in the hospital,” she said. “We take specimens to the lab, take paperwork to different departs and help transport patient at time of discharge. When volunteers work in Patient Services, they work on the floors giving out snacks or drinks and get patient discharge packets for the patients.”
Tetreault said, “I started with volunteering because I am a retired nurse, and I wanted to stay active. I have been very happy volunteering with the Brandon Regional Hospital Auxiliary.”
A volunteer, however, does not have to be someone who worked in the medical field. All they need is a desire to help. Last year, volunteers gave over 48,000 hours of volunteer time.
The Gift Shop is a main source of income for the Brandon Regional Hospital Auxiliary which was established in 1977. The income earned is used to fund a number of scholarships for individuals who wish to pursue an education and subsequent career in the medical field. The average scholarship is $1,000, and since its inception, the Brandon Regional Hospital Auxiliary has awarded over one million dollars in scholarships. The application period for the next round of scholarships is at the end of March.
In addition to scholarships, the Brandon Regional Hospital Auxiliary also sponsors local non-profits.
The Brandon Regional Hospital Auxiliary offers 75 positions for students to volunteer over the summer. Students are paired with a regular volunteer who mentors the student during the summer. Students must apply. The application must be submitted by the end of February.
For more information on volunteering or on applications for the scholarship or sponsorship, call 681-5551 or visit www.brandonhospital.com.
