LEBANON — Community members are being south to serve as compassionate companions on the None One Dies Alone team at Witham Health Services, Lebanon.
No One Dies Alone is a national volunteer-centered program started in 2001 by Peace Health in Eugene, Oregon. It has since been adopted and adapted for use at hospitals around the nation. The Witham NODA team provides caring support and companionship for end-of-life patients who do not have family or loved ones to be with them during their final hours of life.
To be considered for the Witham NODA team, applicants will complete a volunteer application packet, submit to a criminal background check, a health screen, an interview with the Volunteer Director and complete all required volunteer trainings. Because of the sensitivity of the NODA program, volunteers must be at least 18 years old to be eligible.
No clinical skills are required to volunteer for this program; however, volunteers will receive NODA-specific training. Once approved as a volunteer team member, new volunteers will also attend a hospital-specific training and a new volunteer orientation session. These trainings are required to ensure appropriate education for our volunteers and to ensure the safety of both volunteers and patients, in addition to helping make the compassionate companion experience a positive one for everyone involved. Volunteers are also required to follow all Witham policies and procedures while acting as a representative of Witham Health Services.
The program fee is $10 per person (debit, credit card or local check accepted). Non-refundable.
The NODA training will be held 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the community room of the North Pavilion, Entrance B at Witham Health Services, 2605 N. Lebanon St., Lebanon. Deadline to register is Feb. 16, and the training will be limited to the first 20 participants. All training materials will be provided and light refreshments will be offered. Participants will receive a certificate of completion after successfully finishing the training program.
For more information or to register, contact Amy Mitchell, director of volunteers, at 765-485-8175 or by email at amithchell@witham.org.
