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2 | Health Matters: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center I t was a sad day in March 2020 when COVID-19 hit and all of the volunteers who generously offer their time to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center were told to go home. The volunteers, who usually number around 350 but whose ranks have thinned during the pandemic, were finally welcomed back in June 2021. Alex Wimsatt, who is director of care experience at Providence Saint Joseph and oversees the volunteer program, says, "We are reopening in a phase approach to ensure the safety and well-being of our volunteers, caregivers and patients. After an extended time away, each volunteer must go through our onboarding process. Some volunteers don't wish to return, some are undecided and many are eager to return." The hospital is not seeking new volunteers at this time. "We are focused on bringing back our current volunteers," says Wimsatt. Those who are interested, however, are encouraged to register their names for future opportunities. VOLUNTEERS ARE CRUCIAL "Our volunteers are an extraordinary group of individuals," says Wimsatt. "They selflessly dedicate their time to make an impact in the lives of everyone within our hospital walls, and their absence has made those feelings grow exponentially. The steady return of the volunteers has brought back a sense of normalcy, hope and joy to our lives and work here at Saint Joe's after what felt like a never-ending time of uncertainty." Volunteer tasks at the hospital run the gamut from customer service to clerical and administrative assignments, depending on where the volunteer is located. Those locations include the information desk, the music program, the gift shop, waiting rooms, the Disney Family Cancer Center, disaster communication, admitting and the messenger office. Wimsatt was not yet in her position when the pandemic began. "But I can imagine how difficult it was to have to share this news with all of our dedicated volunteers, especially during such an uncertain time in the world," she says. "Not having our volunteers here for a time, with all they contribute to our patients, families and caregivers, was a very challenging transition. We are excited and very grateful for the return of our valued volunteers." The Volunteers Are Back To put your name on the waiting list for future volunteer opportunities, please call 818-847-3320. "Our volunteers are an extraordinary group of individuals. They selflessly dedicate their time to make an impact in the lives of everyone within our hospital walls." Volunteers Zaghkanouche Mandjikian (left) and Yetta Steward

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