FORT SILL, Okla. (April 30, 2015) -- Reynolds Army Community Hospital (RACH) staff members held a ceremony April 24, honoring Red Cross volunteers who work to make the hospital a better place.
The Red Cross has been active on Fort Sill for over 40 years said Susanne Harlandt, Service to the Armed Forces regional manager for the Fort Sill Red Cross Station.
"We currently have 58 active volunteers who serve in several locations around the installation," said Harlandt.
These locations include RACH, the veterinary and dental clinics. At the hospital, the most recognizable volunteers are the greeters at the information desk just inside the east entrance.
"The information desk is our highest profile volunteer area," said Harlandt, "it is also where the need for volunteers is the greatest. Volunteers usually work a four-hour shift assisting in everything from answering phones, giving directions or providing wheelchair service to patients who need assistance."
Another service provided by the volunteers at Reynolds is the hospitality cart that travels the wards offeringcraft kits and toiletries to those admitted to the hospital, as well as comfort kits to the new mothers and babies in the nursery that include an outfit emblazoned with the Fires logo and the Fort Sill Half Section.
Red Cross volunteer work is not limited to manning the information desk.
"The Red Cross is also the point of contact for nurses and physicians who are willing to donate their services," said Harlandt. "The hospital receives the skills and expertise from the medical personnel and the doctors gain valuable experience treating injuries and ailment that they may not normally get to treat."
In addition to the managing the volunteer program for Fort Sill, the Red Cross Station also offers other programs.
"We have a dental assistant training program that, over the course of six months, trains military dependents at the dental clinics here on post to become dental assistants," said Harlandt. "We also offer an annual summer youth volunteer program that matches teens 14-17 with volunteer positions in the hospital and usually has between 10-20 participants."
Teens interested in the program may contact the station to apply.
The Red Cross also conducts many information briefings across the installation, including pre-deployment, post newcomers and family readiness groups, to ensure all Soldiers and family members are aware of the programs and volunteer opportunities the Red Cross offers, as well the proper procedure to initiate a Red Cross message.
For more information on volunteer registration see the Reynolds Webpage at http://1.usa.gov/1Gqwx6Z, visit the Red Cross office on the first floor at RACH, or call 580-558-2132.
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