A mentorship program is available through joint cooperation between the hospital and the local high schools. Students in their junior and senior years may earn high school credit serving in a more formalized program with a hospital staff member who serves as a mentor in learning more about their chosen career. A dedicated group of volunteers work in conjunction with the multidisciplinary Hospice team. After completion of a comprehensive training program, these volunteers are assigned to a patient and develop a supportive relationship with the patient, and their family, and support system of friends. Hospice volunteers are able to provide services which include short term relief to the family caretaker, running errands, doing shopping and preparing a favorite meal.
Volunteers also serve in a variety of fun, short term projects and events.
These may utilize special skills brought by the volunteer and have included educational programs, health screenings and health fairs. JGH annually extends its appreciation to the volunteers at a luncheon held during National Volunteer Week in April. This one day of recognition is only the beginning of the appreciation the hospital feels toward its volunteers. Opportunities to be a hospital volunteer are ever expanding in to new roles. There are opportunities to use old skills and develop new ones, make new friends, and gain that good feeling that comes from helping others.