Tanner Health is recruiting compassionate community members to join its volunteer teams at Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica and Higgins General Hospital in Bremen.

Volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming and supportive experience for patients, families and visitors. Opportunities are available in several areas, including information desks, gift shops and golf cart transportation services that help guests navigate hospital campuses.

Whether greeting visitors with a smile, providing directions or assisting patients with transportation, volunteers help make a difference in the lives of those who visit Tanner facilities each day.

"Volunteers are often the first friendly face people see when they arrive at our hospitals," said Donna Schwarz, volunteer coordinator for Tanner Health. "Their kindness, compassion and willingness to serve help create a positive experience for patients and visitors during what can be a stressful time. We are always excited to welcome new volunteers who want to make a difference in their community."

For many volunteers, serving at Tanner is an opportunity to give back while building connections with patients, visitors and fellow volunteers. Volunteers gain a sense of purpose and fulfillment by supporting healthcare services close to home.

“Throughout my career, I was blessed to work with great people, and many of them gave back through volunteering,” said Fred Strange, volunteer at Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica. “I always knew that when I retired, I wanted to do the same. Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to the community, and I enjoy the opportunity to interact with both patients and staff."

Benefits of volunteering with Tanner include:

• Making a positive impact on patients and families
• Meeting new people and building community connections
• Gaining experience in a healthcare environment
• Developing customer service and communication skills
• Supporting a mission-driven, nonprofit health system
• Enjoying flexible volunteer schedules

Volunteers often describe the hospital environment as welcoming, supportive and rewarding. From helping visitors find their way to offering a friendly face during stressful moments, volunteers contribute to an atmosphere of compassion and care.

"The patients are why I love volunteering. They mean so much to me,” said Cheryl Hood, volunteer at Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica. “It takes compassion, understanding and a willingness to meet people where they are. Being able to connect with patients and brighten their day is incredibly rewarding. I truly love what I do."

Volunteers also support the philanthropic work of Tanner Health Foundation through service in the Tanner Gift Shops. Proceeds from gift shop sales benefit Tanner Health and help fund programs, services and initiatives that enhance patient care across the health system.

As a nonprofit organization, Tanner Health reinvests resources into facilities, technology, services and programs that benefit the communities it serves. Every purchase made in a Tanner Gift Shop helps support that mission.

Individuals interested in volunteering should:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Demonstrate a friendly, professional and dependable attitude
• Enjoy working with people and providing excellent customer service
• Be able to commit to a regular volunteer schedule
• Complete required onboarding and training processes

Volunteer opportunities are available year-round. By sharing their time and talents, volunteers help extend Tanner's mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care to the communities of west Georgia and east Alabama.

Community members interested in learning more or applying to become a volunteer can contact Tanner Health's Volunteer Services department at 770-836-9251 or visit tanner.org/support-tanner.