Volunteers Play an Important Role at UNC Health Lenoir

This year as we celebrate National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, we would like to thank our Volunteers for their gift of time.  Volunteering of one’s time is one of the most direct ways people can give back and make a difference in their community.  At UNC Health Lenoir, our volunteers make a difference in the lives of our patients and play an important role in our hospital’s ability to provide compassionate healthcare.  “Our volunteer group is one of our most vital resources,” said Jane Hanrahan, Director of Volunteer Services.  “Whether we help raise money for scholarships, services and equipment, or simply provide a comforting smile to our patients and visitors, our volunteers are an invaluable resource for everyone in our community.”

UNC Health Lenoir Volunteers, which was founded in 1953 by Mrs. Fran Parker, also operates the Cheer Corner Gift Shop and has a variety of items available for purchase by the public.  Shoppers can discover an item to cheer up their patient or to decorate their own home.  There are seasonal items, jewelry, home décor and much more.  Through fundraisers, donations made to our Lights of Love campaign, and money raised in our Gift Shop, the volunteers have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for nursing education and scholarships, Pastoral Care, Cancer Care, and hospital initiatives, including donations to purchase medical equipment.

National Volunteer Week was first established in 1974 by Presidential Proclamation.  Each year, National Volunteer Week celebrates millions of Americans dedicated to volunteerism.

Beyond helping people in our community, volunteering has been shown to provide several benefits for those who participate.  Those include increasing a person’s confidence, reducing loneliness, improving mental health, and promoting happiness and a sense of wellbeing.

“Volunteers find a lot of satisfaction in giving back to their neighbors, and their efforts are extremely valuable at our hospital,” Libbie Taylor, UNC Health Lenoir Volunteers President says.  “We are grateful for the efforts and dedication of our local volunteers.  Their hard work shows the strength of our community and demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together.  Thank you doesn’t even begin to express our appreciation.”

You can honor local volunteers by joining their efforts.  No experience is necessary.  Each new member of our Volunteer Program receives an orientation, which included the group’s responsibilities.  To learn more about how you can volunteer your time at UNC Health Lenoir, please give Jane Hanrahan at call at (252) 522-7006, or you may visit our website and fill out an application online.  That address is www.unclenoir.org/volunteer.

About UNC Health Lenoir

UNC Health Lenoir, licensed for 199 beds, is a nonprofit hospital serving the Lenoir County area with acute, outpatient, and community health services. The hospital has a 117-year history of providing excellent care to the community. In addition to general medical, surgical, and obstetrical and gynecological care, UNC Lenoir offers specialized services including cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, radiology, and urology. Surgical specialties include general surgery, vascular, orthopedic, and bariatrics. UNC Health Lenoir affiliated with the UNC Health Care System in 2017. For more information or to find a physician, visit unclenoir.org.