YRMC seeking volunteer shuttle drivers
With some winter visitors already starting to leave town, Yuma Regional Medical Center is reaching out to the community to help replace the seasonal residents as volunteer shuttle drivers.
“Interestingly enough, with all the areas where we have volunteers work in, the cart service or the shuttle service is probably one of the most popular ones in the winter,” said Elizabeth Hammonds, director of Volunteer Services at YRMC. “But, with that said, it’s probably the hardest to recruit in the summer.”
Presently, there are about 50 cart drivers serving at the hospital, but Hammonds expects that number to decrease as more winter visitors leave.
“We are very fortunate to have winter visitors that also drive for us,” she said. “However, they are quickly leaving us, which reduces the amount of drivers that we have right now.”
While drivers cover the whole campus, the hospital is presently recruiting shuttles for the “Red Line” that serves the Emergency Department and Labor-Delivery.
“I think it’s a really rewarding position,” Hammonds noted. “Even though it may seem like a small task, for anyone — especially patients or families that need to go to the main entrance or emergency quickly — it’s something they are going to be really appreciative of as they get on the cart.”
“I always tease the cart drivers and say, ‘You know, you have a huge responsibility,” she added. “You are a first impression whenever anybody comes onto our campus.”
She added that YRMC’s most indemand shifts for shuttle drivers are evenings and weekends. Hammonds added that the hospital can use on-call drivers as well.
A typical shift for cart drivers is four hours one time a week. The hospital is also looking for working adults who can commit to two times a month.
Volunteer shuttle drivers must be 21 years old or older and have a driver’s license. Hammonds noted that all new shuttle drivers receive training.
“They do need to attend volunteer orientation, which includes health screenings and background checks, but that’s the norm for every volunteer,” he said.
Although it may seem like a simple task to drive visitors and YRMC staff from point A to point B, Hammonds said the service is much needed, especially during the hot summer months.
In total, 141,226 rides were given last year by YRMC volunteer shuttle drivers.
“It’s also important to know that we have a very dedicated group of yearround volunteers now who sometimes will pick up an extra shift, but we wanted to bring on additional drivers to be able assist as well,” Hammonds said.
For more information or to register to become a volunteer shuttle driver, visit YumaRegional.org/Volunteers or call (928) 336-1105.