VOLUNTEERISM OFFERS HEALTH CARE OPPORTUNITIES

Augusta, Ga. -- Many volunteer opportunities exist, but without a doubt, volunteering in a hospital offers a uniquely rewarding experience.

"Whether you're reading to children, assisting our nurses or staffing an information desk, hospital volunteers help us care for our patients and families," said Janet Howser, Volunteer Services Manager at MCG Health System. "And their service is much appreciated. Our volunteers help make hospital stays or clinic visits just a little bit happier."

During National Volunteer Week (April 27-May 3), the public is invited to explore some of the varied volunteer opportunities available at MCG Health System. They include:

• Child Life Program. Assist our Child Life Specialists by
  reading, playing games and helping to organize other activities
  at the Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center.
• Family Support Services. Sit with patients while family
  members take a break, prepare and deliver snack/gift baskets or
  assist with special events.
• Non-medical Services. Assist the nursing stations with
  stocking supplies, running errands, transporting patients,
  interacting with families and clerical duties.
• Healing Arts Program. Musicians and artists are needed to
  play, perform and create in order to help promote a healing
  environment in patient care areas.
• Donations. Snack items, books, magazines, toys, videos are
  some of the items our patients enjoy thanks to contributions
  from the community.

For more information or to volunteer at MCG Health System, call 706-721-3596.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.