Volunteer Opportunities Spring Up At Columbus Community Hospital

Columbus Community Hospital (CCH) has more than 340 volunteers, including teenagers who are part of its VolunTEEN program. Combined, these volunteers have given more than 14,000 hours of their time to CCH in the past year alone.

CCH wants to build on its strong volunteer program by recruiting volunteers and VolunTEENs to provide high-quality service to CCH patients, families, visitors and medical staff. 

Chelsea Lovell, volunteer coordinator at Columbus Community Hospital, said volunteers are incredibly important to the patients. 

“Our volunteers do have an impact in the care each individual receives from the hospital,” Lovell said. 

The volunteers assist at the hospital’s information desks, act as guides, visit patients, provide clerical support, help with special events like fundraisers and much more. 

To become a volunteer at CCH, people must make a minimum of a one-year commitment, have a friendly attitude, provide references and successfully complete an application, background check, orientation and annual ongoing training. VolunTEENs need to be between 14 and 18 years old and a current high school student. 

According to Debbie Pillen, the VolunTEEN coordinator, there are numerous reasons why a young adult would want to be a VolunTEEN. 

“With this program, teens have a lot of opportunities to gain experience and meet students from other schools who have the same interests as they do,” said Pillen. “They can feel like they are giving back to their community.”

Teens who participate in CCH’s VolunTEEN program will be assigned to a service area  based on their availability and interests. Their duties will vary based on the areas of the hospital to which they are assigned, but regardless of their assignment, they will receive thorough training. Volunteer shifts are available after school on weekdays and on weekends. 

VolunTEENs who have volunteered a minimum of 50 hours at CCH are eligible for the VolunTEEN scholarship, which is awarded annually.

Volunteers at CCH have the benefit of knowing they are helping those who really need it, while also doing something they enjoy. They also receive many personal benefits, including: free flu shots, free annual wellness blood draws, cardiopulmonary membership discounts, experience and references for future placements, inclusion in hospital and volunteer activities, tax credits for travel, and cafeteria discounts.

For more information on becoming a volunteer or VolunTEEN at CCH, visit columbushosp.org to complete the application, call 402-562-4791, or email cchvolunteers@columbushosp.org.