Volunteer Luncheon
On Wednesday, April 23, 2024, Houston Healthcare hosted its annual Volunteer Luncheon at the Cary W. Martin Conference Center in the Roy H. “Sonny” Watson Health Pavilion. The luncheon is held annually in recognition of National Volunteer Week, which is celebrated April 21-27 this year. Volunteers from Houston Healthcare’s Warner Robins and Perry campuses were recognized for the integral role they play in the day-to-day operations of Houston Healthcare.
The Western-themed luncheon began with a welcome from Houston Healthcare Chief of Staff Melissa Phagan, followed by recognition of each volunteer from Volunteer Services Supervisor Patty Callahan. Les Albritton, pastor at Calvary Way Community Church, gave the invocation which was followed by a barbeque lunch buffet and musical entertainment by the Chris Anderson Band. Several members of the Houston Healthcare Executive Team and Hospital Board were present to show their appreciation.
In highlighting the immense value that Houston Healthcare volunteers provide the organization,
Chief of Staff Melissa Phagan provided the following 2023 numbers:
- Volunteers provided over 20,000 hours of service during 2023, which saved the health system more than $400,000.
- Volunteer chaplains provided 1,000 hours of service to patients and their families.
- Volunteer transporters transported 20-40 patients per day.
- Volunteer managed Gift Shop sales were $126,000 during 2023. Proceeds from the gift shops are used to purchase equipment and supplies needed for various hospital departments.
According to Patty Callahan, supervisor of Volunteer Services, “Volunteer work is a matter of the heart. Volunteers give their time, energy, skills, and talents to make our organization better, our community stronger, and our world brighter. We appreciate our volunteers every day, but always enjoy celebrating them during Volunteer Week.”