Salinas Valley Health
Dual Benefits of Helping Hands at Salinas Valley Health
Alexis de Tocqueville, famous for his observations of life in newly formed nations, recognized America nearly 200 years ago for its work on behalf of the common good. In his book, Democracy in America, he wrote, “I must say that I have seen Americans make a great deal of sacrifices to the public welfare; and have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend a faithful support to one another.”
Volunteerism remains a thriving practice in our nation. Early concepts that Tocqueville wrote about: the power of the media in advancing volunteer efforts and the benefits received by those that help others have been proven time and again since Tocqueville’s study of America was published.
An Extra Dimension of Compassionate Care
Salinas Valley Health is a shining example of how people working together can have an extraordinarily positive impact on a community. Residents of the Salinas Valley joined forces in 1941 to bring a modern medical facility to our region. World War II and other setbacks stalled their efforts. Yet, this forward-thinking group of individuals persevered, claiming victory when our doors opened to the community in 1953.
Allen Radner, MD, Interim President/Chief Operating Officer at Salinas Valley Health, says the community engagement that helped create the healthcare system more than 70 years ago remains a critical component of how the organization operates today. “Salinas Valley Health is owned by the people of the district. Our ability to provide quality care to everyone in our community is made possible with a publicly elected Board of Directors and over the years, thousands of individual volunteers and generous donors.”
Dr. Radner says people witness the positive impact Salinas Valley Health has in the community and want to be part of making a difference. “Our volunteers are an integral part of our team. Our donors can see the programs and equipment they help fund. Our staff care for patients who are their neighbors. We are not just part of the community, Salinas Valley Health reflects our community and that is a powerful connection.”
Gifts Received through Community Service
Our volunteers are smiling faces making rounds with carts stocked with the little extras that make an inpatient stay more comfortable. They see the joy in patients’ eyes when bringing certified therapy dogs to visit. They are the friendly voice on the phone checking on patients who have returned home.
From installing emergency response units in patient homes to promoting direct support for patients, visitors and staff at our medical center to participating in community events, Salinas Valley Health volunteers are instrumental in our longtime legacy of community leadership.
Like many Salinas
Valley Health volunteers, Julie Jezowski, who gives of her time to the Service League and to Mended Hearts, appreciates the dual benefits of service. “I want to make Salinas Valley Health a better place for the families that come through….I want it to continue to be good for the people who come after me,” she explains. She also enjoys the personal rewards, “It makes me happy to volunteer. It makes my own difficulties seem small.”
Opportunities for All Ages and Interests
Salinas Valley Health extends a wide range of volunteer opportunities and pairs individuals with positions that match their skills and interests. A diverse group of volunteers, ranging from teenagers to octogenarians, serves with a common goal: to help others. Our staff interacts with them regularly and appreciates their indispensable contributions. “We benefit in so many ways from the support of our volunteers,” says Shannon Graham, Director of Volunteer and Health Career Services. “They add an extra touch, helping make a visit to our medical center a more positive experience for patients and their families. Their work also allows doctors, nurses and other staff to focus more fully on providing the best of their specialized care for our patients. We also host opportunities in non-medical settings.”
Student Focus Comes Full Circle
Our student programs, in particular, illustrate how involvement often comes full circle. With participants ranging in age from fourth grade to young adult, we see many of these individuals return to help the next class of students benefit from inside perspective and hands-on learning about the amazing opportunities in healthcare. Student programs include:
• Medical Adventure
Camp (4th-6th grade students)
• Health Explorers (14-20 years)
• Student Volunteers (15+ years)
• Summer Health Institute (high school juniors and seniors)
Alexis de Tocqueville’s early recognition of the power of philanthropy remains true today with the dual benefits of giving clearly seen at Salinas Valley Health. As we honor our volunteers during National Volunteer Week, we invite you to join in giving back. Opportunities exist for everyone. From serving at our medical center to crafting baby hats or blankets for Veterans at home, we are proud of our volunteers who make a difference in the services we provide for our patients, our staff and our community.
You Can Help:
• Administrative Support
• Community Outreach
• Crafters for Baby Hats and Blankets for Veterans
• Emergency Department
• Gift Shop
• Guest Services
• Health Explorer Leadership
• Medical Center Tour Guides
• Lifeline
• Medical Museum Docents
• Mended Hearts
• Mobile Clinic
• No One Dies Alone
• Pet Therapy
• Patient Support
• Spiritual Care
• Telecare – English and Bilingual
Scan the code, email volunteers@SalinasValleyHealth.com or call 831-755-0772 for more information.