Center for Ministry Formation

OUr gift of time and talent

Stewardship is our gift of time and talent to carry out the Mission of Bon Secours Mercy Health. Volunteers donate their precious time and talents to provide various services that support departments within Mercy Health Youngstown.

In the Emergency Department, Pre-med Student Volunteers stock blanket-warmers, make beds, assemble trauma packs, and replenish supplies such as tissues, slippers, and pillows. It seems so mundane but assisting with those simple tasks translates into acts of support that make all the difference to patients who are ill and often in pain. A warm blanket when you are sick, afraid, and hurting is so comforting.

Our Coffee Cart Volunteers round on units throughout the hospital and serve coffee, tea, pop, cookies, and the most important offering – a smile. What is the value of a smile? Most of us have been the recipient of healthcare or have a family member that has been a patient. Often, illness or injury takes us by surprise. We are not prepared for it. It is such a relief to see the wonderful volunteer coming down the hall with the Coffee Cart. Their smile speaks of better days, offers hope, and reassures us that we are not alone during this difficult time. We cannot assess the value of a smile. It is priceless and given freely, and yet we can see the impact on those we interact with.

There is one group of volunteers that specialize in generating smiles – Pet Therapy Volunteers. Our Pet Therapy Teams round on units throughout the hospital and spread happiness wherever they go. Who can resist these friendly, furry visitors? Research has shown that Pet Therapy Visitation can have a positive impact on patients’ wellbeing due to their calming presence. Few people realize the commitment that Pet Therapy handlers make in bringing their Pet Partner to the hospital. The Pet Therapy handler absorbs the cost of training the dog; pays for all veterinary visits (vaccines, tests) and the cost of membership in a national credentialing organization. We are fortunate and grateful to have them visit our hospitals.

The Women’s Auxiliary of St. Elizabeth and Boardman Hospitals is a vibrant group of women who support the hospitals by holding fundraisers throughout the year to raise funds that support various programs and for needed equipment. Their funding has purchased equipment for departments such as Cardiac Rehab, Diabetes Education, the Simulation Lab, and many others. Their members also sew pillows for abdominal surgery patients and crochet baby blankets for newborns.

When we started bringing back Volunteers after the pandemic shutdown, a staff person remarked to me that it made her feel that things were returning to normal, with the Volunteers in red vests rounding on the nursing units again. Their caring presence makes all the difference to our patients and staff.

What is the value of a volunteer? The Independent Sector announced on April 19, 2023, that the latest value of a volunteer hour is estimated at $31.80, which is a 6.2% increase from 2021–2022. Yet whether measured in cups of coffee served, smiles freely given or national data reported, Volunteers are priceless, and we are blessed to have each one of them at Bon Secours Mercy Health.