UTMC Recognizes Volunteers Who Help Hospital Fulfill its Mission

April 20, 2022 | News, UToday, Alumni, UTMC, Natural Sciences and Mathematics
By Tyrel Linkhorn



Not long after arriving in Toledo, Anam Dewani signed up to volunteer at The University of Toledo Medical Center.

A freshman studying biochemistry in the UToledo College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Columbus-area native wanted to do something to give back to her new city.

Anam Dewani, a freshman studying biochemistry, signed up to volunteer at UTMC shortly after arriving in Toledo.

“I was really just looking for opportunities to be of service to the community,” she said. “What better place than UTMC? I get to be part of a team that touches thousands of lives with not just care, but compassion to make sure patients and their families get through as easily as possible.”

Dewani, who said she hopes to attend medical school at UToledo after she earns her undergraduate degree, is one of approximately 200 volunteers who help UTMC achieve its mission of improving the health of the Toledo community.

Volunteers provide support in an assortment of roles at UTMC, ranging from greeting visitors and helping people find their way to answering phones and delivering water to patients.

During National Healthcare Volunteer Week, which began Sunday, April 17, and runs through Saturday, April 23, UTMC is recognizing the contribution of its volunteers.

“Our volunteers are so important to our overall mission. We couldn’t get the job done without them,” said Jennifer Archer, manager of volunteer services at UTMC. “We all know it can be stressful going to an appointment. Our volunteers can be that reassuring voice. They also help in so many other areas, allowing our staff more time to do their jobs well.”

Last year, UTMC volunteers donated nearly 20,000 hours of service.

While many volunteers are UToledo students who aspire to work in healthcare or retirees from related fields, Archer said there are no prerequisites for volunteering.

“You don’t have to have a medical background or have an interest in medicine,” she said. “All volunteers need to have is an interest in helping improve the human condition.”

Donna Darr, for example, came to UTMC to volunteer after working 46 years in a bank.

“I wanted to keep busy,” she said. “I’m not one to sit around and do nothing. I just like to get out there and volunteer and do whatever I can for the community.”

Darr is part of the Satellites Auxiliary, an organization that offers volunteer services and promotes education, research and service programs. The Satellites also operate the UTMC gift shop and host regular fundraisers at the hospital that benefit scholarships and patient programs.

In her five years as a volunteer, she’s served as a greeter, helped stuff envelopes and assisted with blood drives and cancer survivor celebrations.

“The people there are very nice and there’s always something to do,” Darr said. “UTMC provides so many services.”

Archer said the hospital works with its volunteers to find roles that are a good fit for their specific skills and interests. Opportunities range from clerical work to directly interacting with patients.

Anyone age 18 and older who is interested in volunteering at UTMC can contact Volunteer Services by calling 419.383.6336 or sending an email to volunteerservices@utoledo.edu.

Volunteer applications also can be submitted online. More information is available on the Volunteer Services website.

“I’ve just been in awe of how many people step up to help in this space. They really are giving another kind of care,” Archer said. “It’s inspiring to see the compassion they give and the willingness to be part of making things better.”

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