LifeCare Volunteers

Like many healthcare facilities, LifeCare Medical Center includes a group of dedicated community members who donate some of their free time as LifeCare volunteers. One thing for sure, that time does not go unnoticed, says Terry Lamppa, one of the volunteer coordinators at LifeCare. Recently, HealthMatters visited with Lamppa about the importance of volunteers and their impact on the people around them. Below are excerpts from that interview.

HM: It’s clear that volunteers contribute many hours to LifeCare Medical Center. They obviously are an important component in the day-to-day activities here. You see them in areas throughout LifeCare Hospital as well as at Greenbush Manor and Roseau Manor attending the needs of residents there. How many volunteers do you currently have?

Lamppa: We have a wonderful group of over 300 volunteers who share their time and talents at LifeCare. Some are available once a week, once a month, or once a year and that is perfectly fine. Whatever time they can contribute is always welcome and much appreciated by the LifeCare personnel as well as the patients and residents they assist. Even a few minutes here and there add up. Last year, our volunteers put in a total of nearly 8,000 hours.

HM: The number of young people who volunteer at LifeCare is inspiring. It appears some are in their final year or two of high school and use this experience to see if they are interested in pursuing healthcare as a career path. Yet other volunteers can’t be more than 10 years old. How old does one have to be to volunteer at LifeCare Medical Center?

Lamppa: Our volunteers range from children to adults. Everyone has different interests and talents they are able to share. Our Junior Volunteer Program in Roseau has become so popular with the elementary students that we have a waiting list of students interested in participating.

HM: A newspaper article last December featured your volunteers enjoying a private showing at the Roseau movie theater. Is this an annual event?

Lamppa: The special movie screening you are referring to is just one of the social events sponsored by LifeCare that is organized especially for our volunteers. In addition, we do several events throughout the year to recognize and thank volunteers for all they do. Free flu shots and discounts at the LifeCare Wellness Center, are other benefits we offer to volunteers.

HM: What positions would be available for someone interested in becoming a volunteer today?

Lamppa: We have an array of volunteer opportunities available, including positions in the Neighborhood Nook Coffee and Gift Shop, one-to-one visits at Roseau Manor and Greenbush Manor, mail delivery, and special projects. Pam Sando and I strive to find the positions to fit the interests and talents of every volunteer. We’re happy to sit down and meet with them to find the perfect fit.
Each volunteer is screened, orientated, and supported so they are completely comfortable in their new role.

HM: It’s okay to commit to an hour or two a week, or even less?

Lamppa: All volunteer positions are important and are an extension of the already excellent care given by the staff at LifeCare Medical Center. Flexible hours and shifts are always available with no time commitments. We would love to have you join the LifeCare Medical Center team and enjoy the rewarding experience of being a LifeCare volunteer.

To learn more about volunteering, contact any of these LifeCare coordinators for an application: Pam Sando (218) 463-4714; Terry Lamppa (218) 463-4704; or Stacy Hahn (218) 782-2131.