CCH appreciates our Volunteers!

Yesterday, April 11, Campbell County Health (CCH) held a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon to show our volunteers how much value they bring to the organization, and say thank you.

CCH’s volunteers have been very busy this year: From April 2016 to March 2017, adult and junior volunteers have given over 13,000 hours of their valuable time to help the patients, residents and employees of CCH.

“More than 466 people chose to give their time to help others last year, and we truly appreciate it,” said CCH Chief Executive Officer Andy Fitzgerald. “Every time a volunteer helps a customer find their way, sell a baby gift for a new family, or make someone’s job a little easier, you are part of our family at Campbell County Health, caring for our community with dedication, skill and compassion.”

Community members may see volunteers in the Gift Shoppe at Campbell County Memorial Hospital or the Country Store at The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center; at the CCMH Information Desk; and in departments all over the organization: Education, Human Resources, Medical Records, Rehabilitation Services, EMS, Laundry, and so many others working on many special projects and events.

There are also numerous community members who serve on a CCH advisory board or committee that help guide our work: Behavioral Health Services Advisory Board, Campbell County Healthcare Foundation, Hospice and Home Health Advisory Board, The Legacy Advisory Board, Patient and Family Advisory Committee, and Wright Clinic Advisory Board. Even CCH’s Board of Trustees are volunteers! Others volunteer as part of our Chaplain and Abider Program, who are called in at all hours to help others when it’s likely the worst day of their life.

The opening of The Legacy and the task of moving 115 residents to their new home in November 2016 was a huge undertaking that more than 192 volunteers—142 of which had never volunteered for CCH before—gave 1,500 hours.

Also worth mentioning are the Campbell County School District students who are interested in careers in healthcare and spend time at CCH through mentorship and internship programs. Many departments at CCMH, the Campbell County Medical Group Clinics and The Legacy have willingly provided opportunities for students to “try on” a career in healthcare. These programs are not only great for the students, but they can help CCH develop qualified and enthusiastic caregivers in the future.

In the summer, CCH also takes 40 youth aged 13-18 for the Summer Junior Volunteer program. Junior volunteers help out in all areas of the organization, working with children in the Childcare Center and residents at The Legacy. They sell popcorn to all the departments, which employees love, and that helps raise funds for the Volunteer Services Scholarship Program, which awards two $1,000 scholarships each year to high school students. (Note: Applications will be posted shortly for this program!)

“I really admire all of you who are willing to jump in and help, because what you do improves people’s lives,” says CCH Board of Trustees Chair Harvey Jackson. “Campbell County Health has recently been named one of the Top 20 Rural Hospitals in the United States by the National Rural Health Association, and everyone, including all our volunteers, had a part to play in us receiving that award.”

For those who don’t know, National Volunteer Appreciation Week takes place April 23-29. President Richard Nixon established National Volunteer Week in 1974 as a way to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers and foster a culture of service. Volunteers at CCH enhance the care we provide for our patients and residents in many ways. Whether they give their time for special projects during the year or volunteer several times per week, we truly appreciate what their contributions to their community.

See more photos from the event on our Facebook album, CCH appreciates our volunteers, 2017!

Are you interested in giving CCH some of your valuable time? Give Chris Buxton a call at 307.688.1536. Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/volunteer.