Dedicated Volunteers Celebrated

Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) will be honoring its dedicated volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 6-12. To show appreciation for all the hard work they provide to the organization, LLUH will offer massages, special snacks and gifts, a food festival and opportunity drawings to all active volunteers. “Our volunteers donate their personal time to be part of the patient experience, and they are selfless, hardworking people,” said Beth Rose, director of hospitality services at LLUMC. “We rely on our community of volunteers to help fulfill our global mission of continuing ‘the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.’” LLUH has approximately 400 active volunteers in any given month, and there are over 2,000 in the system. They range in age from 18 to 50 years of age and above. Some of the more common volunteer roles include those in child life, patient units, emergency department, gift shop, and hospitality services. Other volunteers may donate their time to chaplain services, clerical, P.A.W.S. (pets aiding wellness) or music connection volunteer programs. Ruthita Fike, CEO of Loma Linda University Medica Center, is honored to have such amazing individuals offer their knowledge and creativity to the LLUH campus. “Volunteers help with the work, but they also bring the heart,” she said. LLUH is always seeking out individuals who feel connected to the mission, vision and values of the institution and who have the time to commit to giving back on a consistent, long-term basis with the purpose of helping others.