CHERAW, S.C. — McLeod Health Cheraw recently recognized three area teens for their participation in the 2022 Summer Teen Volunteer Program. A closing ceremony was held on Aug. 8 at the hospital for the teens.
During their summer vacation, the teens volunteered to work directly with hospital healthcare professionals for a certain number of hours per month gaining experience in a variety of healthcare occupations. The 2022 group of volunteers contributed a total of 127 hours of volunteer service.
Cassie Davis, RN, service excellence process manager/patient representative and volunteer coordinator for McLeod Health Cheraw, gave some brief information on the program’s origin.
“The McLeod Volunteer Program began in 1988 as an idea to interest high school teens in health care careers,” Davis said. “Offering teens an opportunity for ‘hands-on’ participation in a healthcare environment has always been the program’s objective.”
The teens worked in various areas of the hospital during the months of June, July and early August assisting with tasks in the Emergency Department, on the Medical Surgical Floor, in the Intensive Care Unit and in Same Day Surgery. They also supported staff in non-clinical areas at the hospital’s Main Entrance Reception Desk, the Registration Department and in the Quality & Safety Department.
Davis spoke to the teens about the importance of giving back through volunteerism, noting the impact that it can have on their future career choices. While volunteering their time, the teens receive so much in return. Student volunteers have the power to positively connect with the patients who are being cared for at the facility, which is very rewarding.
“The most important benefit our volunteers provide is the overwhelming amount of joy they bring to our patients and staff while they were here,” said Davis. “We all have greatly enjoyed having this group of teens in our facility for the past few months and look forward to next summer’s group.”
The list of teens honored were: Scarlett Amerson, Kiersten Shepard, and Britton Scott. For more information about volunteer opportunities at McLeod Health Cheraw, call 843-320-5548.
