As we approach the 40th annual National Volunteer Week, April 6-12, Kona Community Hospital invites you to recognize volunteers who make an extraordinary difference in our community. Your support can encourage them, as well as others, to volunteer and provide help where it is needed.
Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about demonstrating that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.
The Kona Community Hospital Auxiliary is the largest volunteer organization at the hospital with 65 volunteers. In 2013, volunteers generously donated more than 7,600 hours to the hospital. There are numerous on-going volunteer roles such as the newly launched Falling Star Volunteer Safety Program, a collaboration between the hospital’s Quality and Nursing departments and the Auxiliary. This specialized program trains volunteers to assist in monitoring patient safety. In addition, volunteers regularly help in the KCH Cancer Center’s infusion department, skilled nursing unit, business office and same day surgery. Further, the volunteers coordinate the Gift Shop, Friday Bake Sale as well as the annual Holiday House and Rummage Sale.
Funds are primarily raised to support the KCH Auxiliary nursing scholarships. This hugely successful program helps local students become nurses, in hopes that they will stay in – or return to – our community to work. In 2013, the Auxiliary also provided tuition support for two nurses to attend an Oncology and Chemotherapy continuing education course. Additional monies were allocated to fill hospital needs including the purchase of a Panda Baby Warmer for the hospital’s Women’s Services department. They also made a generous contribution towards a renovation of the hospital’s Short Stay Surgery waiting area.
In addition to the Auxiliary, the Kona Hospital Volunteer Chaplain Association includes ministers of all denominations. They provide regular visits to offer spiritual care, a listening ear or a message of hope to patients and families.
“We’re very grateful to the KCH Auxiliary and volunteer Chaplains,” said Judy Donovan, Kona Community Hospital Marketing Director. “Whether they are working directly with patients and visitors, or behind the scenes, our volunteers play an important role at our hospital. We and our community are the beneficiaries of their generosity and vital contributions.”