STOCKBRIDGE - Before the pandemic, Piedmont Henry Hospital had more than 200 volunteers who guided patients, greeted visitors, and supported hospital staff.
Today, the program is rebuilding with about 30 committed volunteers as the hospital works to restore one of the most human parts of the patient experience.
“We’re in the business of bad days. Seeing a friendly face can make a huge difference.”
“We’re in the business of bad days,” said Laura Whitaker Shortt, Director of Community Relations and Volunteer Services. “People come here when something is wrong. So seeing a friendly face can make a huge difference.”
Many of those friendly faces are senior volunteers who help throughout the hospital. They greet visitors at information desks, drive courtesy carts to help patients reach appointments, assist staff in departments like the NICU, and work in the hospital gift shop.
But the impact they have often goes far beyond their assigned duties.
One volunteer, known throughout the hospital as Ms. Fran, has been serving patients for three decades. At 90 years old, she still volunteers three days a week. If she notices a patient sitting alone before surgery, she may wait for them to finish their procedure, find their room afterward, and stop by to make sure they are not alone.
Another volunteer, Ms. Cheryl Hardin, once helped calm a nervous patient preparing for surgery simply by talking with her and her family. During their conversation, they discovered they were both Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders) fans.
Weeks after the surgery, the patient returned to the hospital with a gift for Cheryl. A vintage Washington Redskins sweatshirt, brought as a thank you for the comfort she offered during a frightening moment.
Stories like that capture the quiet power of volunteers.
“They’re choosing to be here,” said Sherrita Emerson, Auxiliary Services Specialist for Volunteer Services. “They bring joy and help make our patients happy.”
Whitaker Shortt says the hospital is looking for what she calls service leaders, volunteers who take ownership of helping others and supporting their community.
The hospital hopes to rebuild the program closer to its pre-pandemic size so that more patients and families can experience the comfort volunteers bring.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Sherrita Emerson at 678-604-1666 for more information.