CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Hospital Association has selected the volunteer program at Banner Wyoming Medical Center as the “Outstanding Volunteer Program of the Year,” Banner Health said in a press release Monday.
“It is without a doubt that I say that we couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers,” Lance Porter, CEO of Banner Wyoming Medical Center, said. “It’s great to see the program recognized for the amazing work our volunteers do day in and day out.”
Volunteers provided over 8,300 hours of voluntary service at Banner Wyoming Medical Center in 2021. The efforts of those 100+ volunteers helped save the hospital about $239,000, the press release added. Volunteers helped guide over 18,000 patients and visitors around the hospital, delivered 840 items, helped with 8,051 phone calls and provided 4,282 patients and visitors with directions, Banner said.
Twenty of the people who volunteer at Banner Wyoming Medical Center have earned a President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which Banner said is the highest award given to volunteers across the country. Recipients include Jack Laird, a 92-year-old who has volunteered as a guide at the Casper hospital for over 21 years. Laird was also named 2022 Volunteer of the Year in the Banner WMC volunteer program.
The volunteer program at the hospital was first established in 1953.
“Today, the volunteers perform many essential duties within the hospital, including manning information desks and providing certified therapy dog visits for patients, families and staff,” the press release said. “They donate their time as well as proceeds from the volunteer-run gift shop and organize other fundraisers that benefit hospital staff and patients including an employee scholarship fund, the Caring Closet which provides new clothing to patients in need, and more.”
“Volunteers also escort patients, serve as chaplains, provide information, help families with a loved one in surgery, deliver flowers or books to patients, and assist in several other departments. The Mended Hearts Program volunteers help ease cardiac patients by answering questions and providing friendship while the Junior Volunteer Program inspires both volunteerism while exposing young people to possible future careers in the medical field.”
People interested in volunteering at Banner WMC can call 307-577-2794 or email lisa.swartz1@bannerhealth.com.
