CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – At Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Center, a volunteer may be the first welcoming face you see when you enter the hospital. Volunteers support the hospital in traditional and non-traditional ways, assisting in nearly every area. From greeting and guiding visitors to supporting patients through visits, encouragement, crafting and even cooking, volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and staff.
“My wife was a nurse at CAMC for several years before she passed away. I wanted to honor her legacy by volunteering my services to the hospital that was so pivotal to her career and life,”Larry Barsh said. “Volunteering at CAMC for the past six months has given my life a purpose. I have been able to give the patients I meet on the oncology floor the time and care that brings a smile to theirs and their loved ones’ faces. CAMC has become like family to me, and I hope that Marisela is looking at me with a smile as I continue her life’s work.”
Mary K. Gargarella volunteers in the newborn ICU at CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital.
“Part of my role is stocking linens, wipes, diapers and hands-on equipment so the nurses always have what they need within reach,” Gargarella said. “By taking care of these details, I help to create a smoother workflow, allowing the nurses to devote their full attention to the babies.”
There are openings at all hospitals for volunteers to serve in many ways. At CAMC, volunteer roles include food pantry volunteers, end-of-life volunteers, peer support volunteers, ambassador volunteers and hospitality volunteers.
“I have been volunteering for several years since I retired from CAMC,” Carol Rymer said. “I work as a crafter making items needed for our patients and enjoy using my hobby to bring a smile to someone’s face.”
Steve Ray regularly brings his therapy dog, Cactus Jack, to visit the hospital.
“To me, volunteering is making hard days easier and bad days better for patients and staff,” Ray said.
There are about 210 volunteers per year who serve at its Charleston and Teays Valley hospitals.
For more information about volunteering at CAMC, visit the volunteer page or call (304) 388-7426.
