Program Gives Young Volunteers Life-Long Direction

Veronica Herrera began realizing the value of volunteering as she filled out college applications. In addition to grades and test scores, every application inquired about volunteer experience. Today, Veronica, a senior at Barbara Jordan High School, is one of 194 participants in the district’s Junior Volunteers Program.

The program which is open to students ages 15 to 18, began in 1986 at Jefferson Davis Hospital. Junior volunteers work in patient information kiosks, nursing units, pediatric playrooms, patient transportation and as translators for hospital staff.

Veronica volunteers in Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital’s newborn nursery, making up beds, and stocking diapers and formula. Because of her age, she doesn’t handle the brand-new bundles.

“I learn new techniques every day on the care of newborns,” Herrera said. “There are so many burping tricks and by watching the nurses, I’ve learned the proper way to bathe and hold babies.”

Veronica was so excited by her experiences that she encouraged friends Yanetta Hernandez and Magaly Herrera to join.

“Volunteering has definite advantages for young people looking to the future and deciding what their career choices will be,” said Jackie Wear, the hospital district’s volunteer coordinator. “Volunteer involvement is a great avenue for students to give unselfishly of themselves.”

Veronica plans to become a radiology technician, and is interested in Harris County Hospital District’s School of Medical Radiography.

Last summer, the Junior Volunteers Program had 194 volunteers who together donated more than 2,000 hours. This year, the program will be offered at the hospital district’s Community Health Centers, Ben Taub General Hospital, LBJ Hospital, and Quentin Mease Community Hospital. For information, call the Volunteer Services Department at (713) 873-2203.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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