Volunteers
Individuals who volunteer at Forrest Health are caring, dedicated and committed. Through their many meaningful activities, our volunteers help further the objectives of the hospital and provide the best possible support and comfort for our patients, their families, and visitors. While helping others, you will make many new friends, learn new things, and have fun.
At Forrest Health, volunteers are central to our mission “do what is best for the patient”. Every volunteer has a unique voice, perspective, and gift to share. People volunteer for a variety of reasons. You may be looking for a way to give back or pay it forward. You may want to have your first experience in a health care setting or begin a new chapter of your life here. Or you may aspire to realize a long-held dream or nurture a passion. Regardless of where you come from, we welcome you.
Community Volunteer Opportunities
Forrest General Hospital appreciates the thoughtful interest of those making donations for our patients. Please follow these guidelines and procedures when purchasing and/or referring persons for donations. We gladly accept donations throughout the year.
- Books/Magazines – Gently used for all ages
- We ask magazines not to be older than 6 months from the publication date and should have the address labels removed or blacked out prior to donation. We accept hard and softcover books, both children’s and adults, fiction and non-fiction.
- Activity Supplies –all items should be non-toxic
- Below are a few ideas, but we welcome your suggestions:
- Coloring books, crayons, or colored pencils, puzzles, playing cards, plastic blocks, small journals, crossword and word search books, small toys, stress balls, activity books, painting supplies.
- Care Kits: Distributed to patients who are unable to obtain these supplies on their own. These kits are utilized by patients in all patient care areas for basic hygiene needs. Kits include travel-size essentials such as: toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, comb/brush, deodorant, mouthwash, and a Ziploc bag to hold items. Items may be donated in bulk or assembled into individual packages.
- Entertainment Kits: Provide distractions for those waiting on loved ones. These kits are distributed to patients and family members in the emergency services, outpatient registration, labor and delivery, and ICU/CCU waiting areas. Kits include pencil, activity book, magazine or handheld game, and a Ziploc bag to hold items. Items may be donated in bulk or assembled into individual packages.
- Small Stuffed Animals- Due to infection control policies, we are only able to accept new stuffed animals.
- Position Pillows– Medium (approximately 12” x 12”) sized pillows are used to help adult and pediatric patients, prop, support, and position comfortably during their hospital stay.
- Port Pillows -A port pillow is a small pillow (approximately 3″ x 6″) with a hook-and-loop closure that a person attaches to a seatbelt (or even a purse or bag strap). This little pillow helps prevent irritation of the port and surrounding area when something is on top of it for long periods of time.
- Blankets –Crocheted, knitted, or quilted, blankets can be distributed to our patients. From our adult patients who find comfort in wrapping up in a lap blanket to our most vulnerable NICU population, these blankets are cherished.
- Walker/Wheelchair Bags –Patients who have a longer inpatient stay, find these bags very useful to hold items. Patients are able to keep personal items close to them while using their wheelchair or walker. Patients take these with them when discharged.
- Heart Hugs/Cardiac Pillows– Handy with a needle and thread? Volunteers who love to sew make heart shaped pillows for patients recovering from surgical procedures. Patients use these heart-shaped pillows after surgery to support the sternum when coughing.
Restrictions: The hospital asks that donations come from smoke-free homes for infection control reasons. Many of our patients have restricted diets; therefore, food and candy cannot be distributed. We are unable to accept toys with violent themes. Due to infection prevention restrictions, donors may not personally deliver items.
To arrange a donation, contact Lucretia Hall @ lmhall@forrestgeneral.com or call the Volunteer Services office at 601-288-4449.
If you are a student seeking community service hours and would like an opportunity to participate in our Ambassador Program, click HERE!
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Commit to a minimum of 2 hours a week
- Complete all required compliance paperwork
- Follow hospital and volunteer services policies and procedures
- Interview and upon acceptance, obtain TB screening and criminal background check (provided by FGH)
Benefits
- Complimentary meal vouchers
- Free yearly flu vaccinations
- Invitation to various hospital events throughout the year
Volunteer Applications
