March 15, 2020 – DMH and Memorial Medical are moving to limit certain volunteers within their health system to avoid the spread of COVID-19. They are also encouraging those wanting to volunteer in an emergency capacity and do not fall into high-risk categories to reach out.
DMH will be suspending the following groups from volunteering within the health system:
– All volunteers aged 65 or older.
– All volunteers with underlying health conditions.
– Continued suspension of all hospice volunteers and those who do not feel comfortable volunteering.
DMH says they will continue to monitor the situation and will provide an update as to when these restrictions will be lifted. DMH, in an email to volunteers says volunteer’s usual shifts will be held for them.
The hospital is still however looking for volunteers.
“This will have a profound effect on hospital operations and we have, therefore, approved an abbreviated onboarding policy. If you know of people who are wanting to volunteer in an emergency capacity and do not fall into the above restrictions, please direct them to our volunteer services departments for more information..” said Becky Gabany, System Director, Community Services for Memorial Medical Center.
