Volunteer

Miami Valley Hospital (MVH) volunteers are more than those who casually want to help. They work hand-in-hand with the MVH staff. Some hospitals use volunteers only for optional roles. MVH integrates their volunteers into active roles that the staff depends on. The level of volunteer dedication is very strong at MVH.

Volunteer duties include the expected, like assisting with fundraising, welcoming visitors at the information desk, and transporting patients by wheelchair throughout the hospital. But there are many more integral duties too, such as data input, delivering mail and flowers, performing clerical duties, volunteering in clinical areas and the gift shop, as well as aiding in many hospital support departments.

Since the hospital depends more on its volunteers than other institutions might, the significant contribution volunteers make is highly-valued. MVH volunteers contribute hundreds of hours annually, which equates to the work of several full-time employees.

Fundraising

Volunteers are also a large part of the MVH fundraising effort. They raise thousands of dollars annually through the gift shop, baby photo sales, Christmas in the Valley, personal donations, and other fundraising projects. These special sales that occur during the year include book sales, uniform sales, jewelry sales, and candy sales.

A Voice in Direction

MVH has a unique structure that provides a voice for their volunteers. The volunteers are governed by a board consisting of 12 volunteers, with the director of Volunteer Services serving as a board member. The Board Chair has a seat on the hospital board, which puts a representative at the core of the decision-making processes.

Benefits and Recognition

MVH appreciates the extensive work that volunteers do for the hospital and offers them a benefits package. Included are:

• Free meals
• Free parking
• Discounts at the two hospital gift shops
• Free flu shots

Volunteers are also invited to recognition events throughout the year to show the hospital's appreciation for their contribution. These events usually center around luncheons and picnics. Among the events are: Key Club Luncheon, Annual Picnic, and Volunteer Appreciation Celebration.

During National Volunteer Week and National Volunteer Month in April, the hospital also shows its appreciation by honoring volunteers on the hospital's Wall of Excellence.

The volunteers also receive recognition pins for benchmarks of hours of service.