Since 1994, Juan Garcia has volunteered at Elmhurst Hospital, donating up to 14,800 hours of service – more than 900 hours a year – to helping its staff and patients. His duties range from clerical services to running errands throughout the hospital. His satisfaction comes from knowing he is making a difference everyday helping.
Garcia and three other volunteers were honored by The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) for their contributions at both Elmhurst and Queens Hospital Center.
Volunteers serve as language interpreters, counselors, and patient navigators who help both staff and patients – making their lives much easier for them. Their duties range from feeding elderly patients, to reading and playing with children, to comforting family members in time of need.
“HHC volunteers are a vital element of our safe and efficient healthcare system. It’s the quality of caring and assistance that they donate to the patients we serve that makes all the difference. They are an important part of what makes HHC great,” said HHC President Alan D. Aviles.
Other volunteers who were honored were:
Sebanti Bhowmik, a volunteer who works in the activity and companionship program at Healthy Outlook. She began volunteering in the summer of 2006 and has a perfect attendance record in the Career Exploration Program at Elmhurst Hospital. She has given over 931 hours of service.
Charmaine Farquharson, a mother who finds time to balance her family duties and volunteer up to 20 hours a week as an Occupational Health Services Volunteer at the Queens Hospital Center. Her work includes answering and directing phone calls as well as numerous additional tasks with Environmental Services.
Gwendolyn Harrison, a cancer survivor who dedicates her time at the Queens Hospital Center’s Cancer Center of Excellence as a Volunteer Patient Navigator. She serves as a personal guide to cancer patients as they face the psychosocial, emotional, and financial challenges. Her past battle with and victory with cancer serves as an example towards patients of the strength of the human spirit.
These volunteers were chosen from the more than 8,000 men and women who have dedicated nearly one million hours of service to the city’s public hospitals over the last year.
