Friday, April 24, 2009

Baywood Campus launches teen program during National Volunteer Week

Great news from Banner about getting kids involved in the community:
Baywood Campus launches teen program during National Volunteer Week

MESA, Ariz. (April 22, 2009) – The Banner Baywood Medical Campus is launching its teen volunteer program this week in honor of National Volunteer Week.

The program, which will take place at Banner Baywood Medical Center and Banner Heart Hospital, is aimed at introducing youngsters to the health care industry.

“While health care is not recession proof, it is one of the few industries that is continually growing and looking for good employees,” said Volunteer Services Manager Amy Sanders. “The volunteer program is a good way for young people to be exposed to the workings of a hospital and decide if they would like to pursue a career in health care.”

National Volunteer Week runs from April 19 to 25, and honors those who give voluntary service. More than 800 volunteers serve the Banner Baywood Campus.

The campus’ new program is unique in that it teams the teen volunteers with a parent or guardian.

“This way, teens aren’t the only ones who get to experience the benefits of volunteering,” Sanders said.

The teen volunteer teams will be stationed at one of the hospitals’ main information desks or gift shops. The teams agree to serve one four-hour shift per week for a minimum of 100 hours, and receive a certificate at the end of the program. The teams can also choose which hospital they’d like to serve.

Other requirements for teen volunteers:
- two letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, advisor, group leader, religious leader or employer
- attend a three-hour orientation with your guardian
- complete health screening requirements, which include a tuberculosis skin test and current immunizations such as measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox.

Those who are interested in participating can call (480) 321-4122 for more information. Applications are available at the Volunteer Services Office at Banner Baywood Medical Center, 6644 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa 85206.

All necessary applications and requirements are also available online: http://tinyurl.com/chs25t