Volunteerism at UPMC Hamot

Hamot Health Foundation is proud to feature volunteerism at UPMC Hamot.

All nonstudent volunteers in our hospital are coordinated through UPMC Hamot Aid Society.

This service-minded organization was founded in 1906 and boasts a rich history of service, beginning with an early Hamot Hospital and remaining steadfast through the years to serve what now stands today as UPMC Hamot. An active and thriving organization, HAS members take great pride in their mission to serve.

HAS volunteers step up in a variety of meaningful ways. They assist in practical ways such as clerical duties, changing linens, and restocking supplies. They may also provide hospitality, companionship, or social engagement to patients and their families.

HAS volunteers have served in at least the following capacities:

• Soothing babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Providing hospitality and information to anxious loved ones in the Family Waiting Room
• Sitting with end-of-life patients who are without available family or friend
• Supporting medical research and daily operations in the hospital medical library
• Assisting customers and business operations in the hospital gift shop
• Bringing companionship and comfort to patients and staff through pet therapy visits
• Dispensing information, offering friendly greetings, and providing directions at the Information Desk
• Supporting patient care environments through practical and/or clerical means in various hospital patient care units: Endoscopy, Radiology, Infusion Center, Surgery Center, Transplant Center, Surgical Specialists, Wound Center, UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor

Traditionally, well over 100 Hamot Aid volunteers contribute thousands of service hours each year to UPMC Hamot. In times of COVID-19, UPMC significantly curtailed volunteer activity in order to protect the health of our volunteers, patients, and health care workers. We are now beginning to see volunteers slowly and safely phased back into hospital operations through service in entrance screening operations and nonpatient care environments.

The organizational culture of UPMC Hamot is such that tremendous value is placed upon its volunteers. The many selfless contributions they make to further enhance excellence at UPMC Hamot are priceless. In the words of endoscopy clinician Stephanie Prischak, “Volunteers are such a big part of our team and help our patients in so many ways. We truly value their commitment and dedication to our department over the years.”

To show UPMC Hamot’s gratitude, the volunteers were recently treated by HHF to carryout meals from The Cork, a local dining establishment. Face masks bearing the HAS logo were also distributed at the drive-through appreciation event.

In addition to a mission of volunteerism, HAS is also a champion of continuing education, providing annual scholarships to UPMC Hamot employees, with special emphasis going to nursing students.

The skilled HAS leadership team consists of Sally Gearity (chair), Shirley Wilson (vice-chair), and Rose McLaren (secretary/treasurer).

For more information on becoming a volunteer with UPMC Hamot Aid Society, please contact Elaine Gibson at 814-877-3959.