AHVRP Highlights
The American Lakes Veterans Golf Course is solely operated by volunteers and is completely self-sustaining. In 1995, federal funding for the operation and maintenance of all VA golf courses was eliminated. Through their labor, fundraising efforts, and community connections, these dedicated volunteers transformed the VA golf course, originally designed in 1932, into a state-of-the-art venue. It provides a variety of therapeutic, adaptive golf programs for veterans and returning soldiers with physical disabilities.
The American Lakes Veterans Golf Course volunteers, working with VA recreation therapists, have brought adaptive golf for veterans with physical disabilities to the forefront of public awareness in the greater Puget Sound area. Their non-profit group, “Friends of the American Lakes Veterans Golf,” routinely contact area businesses and civic organization to both educate and encourage participation in the program through donations and volunteering. They have also successfully generated media interest to further communicate the needs of America’s wounded warriors and the therapeutic benefits associated with American Lakes Veterans Golf.
IN-SERVICE HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Auxiliary Heritage Collection
Alaska Native Medical Center
Anchorage, Alaska
Daniel Jessop, Hospital Administrator
The “Auxiliary Heritage Collection” project created a unique tribal-based approach to volunteerism. For the past 32 years, Alaska Native Medical Center’s Auxiliary has managed a Smithsonian-quality native arts and crafts collection. The collection is comprised of traditional works of art that represent all regions of the State and the various Alaska Native cultures. The beautiful collection is a source of pride to patients and their families and an inspiration to employees and visitors from around the world.
Alaska Native Medical Center serves as a traditional gathering place for its patients as they meet and greet. Many patients recognize the art provided by their own families to the Heritage Collection. Alaska Native artisans often live in remote, rural Alaska villages and often live a subsistence life-style – living off the land. The themes for the art are derived from the Native Alaskan experience. The materials used may come from whale bones, fish skins, grass, or ivory. The artisans set their own prices and receive 100% return in cash when sold. The Auxilians add a 10-20% handling fee. The proceeds support patient care, equipment and approximately 10-15 annual student scholarships with awards ranging from $1,000 - $5,000.
FUND-RAISING PROGRAM
Mercy Magic
Mercy Medical
Daphne, AL
Mary Kay Polys, President & CEO
Since 2000, “Mercy Magic,” a dedicated workforce of volunteers for Mercy Medical, has been providing much-needed services to Mercy’s pediatric home care patients and families. “Mercy Magic” began after several pediatric nurses who cared for children, reported several needs of the families. Mercy Magic is devoted to helping children in need and their families.
Focused primarily on working with the Guardian Angel program, Mercy Magic set out to raise funds by selling pewter Christmas Angel ornaments. The volunteers approached local businesses to display the ornaments and business owners agreed to collect sales proceeds for Mercy Medical. Volunteers restocked the merchant’s shelves and sometimes moved them from shop to shop to accommodate heavier sales in certain locations. Purchases increased each year and to date, Guardian Angel ornament sales have generated close to $50,000 for Mercy’s pediatric home care program.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND/OR COLLABORATION
Intermountain Healthcare Volunteer Dental Project
Intermountain Healthcare
Salt Lake City, UT
William H. Nelson, President & CEO
In the fall of 2003, Intermountain Healthcare hospital volunteers organized a community outreach program aimed at Title 1* elementary schools in Utah. This was in response to information given by the Utah Health Department Medical Director naming dental hygiene as the number one health program for elementary aged children. Intermountain Healthcare volunteers responded to this need by coordinating and partnering with their County Health departments, Migrant Community Health Centers of Utah, Community Health Connect and local colleges, universities and training centers. Together these groups developed a program to take to the schools with the greatest needs.
The program consists of a four-prong approach: education, tool for prevention, preventative fluoride varnish, and follow-up care for extreme cases. The volunteers conducted a 30-minute assembly to educate the students on good oral hygiene and making wise food choices. The volunteers purchased and assembled the dental hygiene kits and provided fluoride varnishing. Students who needed additional dental work were connected with dentists who were willing to donate their services. The program grew from 12 partner schools to 56 Title 1* elementary schools. The impact of this program was best described by the Oral Health Director of the State Health Department, who said he has never seen such a program put together so successful with so many partners.
*50% of the children are at poverty level or below.
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