At San Juan Regional Medical Center, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the heart of our hospital—our volunteers. With over 140 compassionate individuals dedicating their time and talents, our volunteers are essential to creating a warm, welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Whether it’s assisting patients, crafting comforting gifts, or lending a listening ear, their presence is felt across every corner of our facility.
Making a Difference Every Day
Our volunteers provide vital support across the hospital, especially at our information desk and patient care areas. In 2024 alone, our volunteers helped with:
- 2,365 patient escorts to departments throughout the hospital
- 1,558 patient discharges
- Nearly 1,000 deliveries of personal items, flowers, balloons, and more
They also transport patients in wheelchairs to key departments like Radiology and Cardiopulmonary, offering a helping hand and a kind smile along the way.
Handmade with Heart
Our volunteers also bring creativity and care to everything they do. Our Crafty Creations group meets weekly to create comforting, handmade items for patients of all ages. Over the past year, they have handcrafted:
- 480 stuffed animals (affectionately called "critters")
- 525 soothing eye pillows (crafted by one amazing volunteer!)
- 107 cancer care bags
- 59 festive baby stockings
- 30 beautiful, hand-stitched quilts
- Colorful pillowcases for our pediatric patients
These thoughtful gifts are shared throughout our hospital, from the Emergency Department to the outpatient clinics, bringing joy and comfort—especially to our youngest patients.
Growing Our Own
Many of the programs and scholarships our volunteers benefit from are funded through the hospital’s Auxiliary and our volunteer-run gift shop. In April, we awarded $32,000 in scholarships to 16 teen volunteers and $20,650 to employees pursuing their higher educational goals. It’s one of the many ways we invest in those who make a difference. These funds not only recognize our volunteers’ hard work but also help grow the next generation of healthcare professionals— some of whom may return to serve right here in our community.
Thank You, Volunteers!
At San Juan Regional Medical Center, we know it takes a village—and we’re lucky to have such a generous, caring, and talented one. Our volunteers are true ambassadors of our mission to improve lives through personalized health and care. As our Volunteer Services Manager Teresa Becker shared, “I feel really fortunate to have this job.”
We feel just as fortunate to work alongside each and every one of our amazing volunteers. Thank you for all you do!
Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities at San Juan Regional Medical Center