Indianapolis, April 14, 2009 — With summer break just around the corner, many teens will soon have much more free time added to their day. One way for teens to keep busy and productive this summer is to participate in a volunteer program just for teens through Wishard Health Services.
Wishard’s Volunteer Services Department is offering its annual summer VolunTEEN program from June 8 to August 14. The program enables students to work with patients and staff in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Through these opportunities, teens realize the importance of leadership, responsibility and effective communication, all while gaining valuable experiences and meeting new friends.
“The VolunTEEN program is a great way for students to learn about healthcare, stay busy during the summer and have lots of fun,” said Scott Lawson, manager of Volunteer Services at Wishard. “The teens are matched to their areas of interest as determined during the application process.”
Eligible teens must be at least 12 years old and in good academic standing. A minimum of one three-hour shift per week for at least six weeks is required from each teen volunteer. The application process takes about two weeks and includes an informational interview, a health screening and a general hospital orientation. The health screening is provided by Wishard to all volunteers free of charge and includes a tuberculosis skin test.
“Some of the advantages of the VolunTEEN program include an opportunity for experiential and service learning, providing teens with a chance to gain a realistic perspective of a career in a specific healthcare environment. It is also a great way to meet new people and gain community service hours needed for school and scholarships,” Lawson said.
Wishard Volunteer Services offers a variety of volunteer opportunities that allow people of all ages the chance to play a vital role in fulfilling Wishard’s mission of advocating, caring, teaching and serving all citizens of Marion County, with a special emphasis on the vulnerable populations.
For more information on volunteering at Wishard or to obtain a VolunTEEN application, please contact Volunteer Services at Wishard at 630-7552 or by e-mail at scott.lawson@wishard.edu.
For 150 years, Wishard Health Services has provided high quality, cost-effective healthcare to the citizens of Marion County. Wishard is accredited by the Joint Commission. Nationally recognized programs include a level I trauma center, regional burn center, comprehensive senior care program, women’s and children’s services, teen and adolescent care programs, Midtown Community Mental Health Center, and a network of primary care sites located throughout the neighborhoods of Indianapolis. Wishard Health Services is the public hospital division of the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County and partners with the Indiana University School of Medicine whose physicians provide a comprehensive range of primary and specialty care services.
