Pictured at top left, from left, are Judean Guinn, vice president and chief nursing officer; Dee Rockett, Eva McCamy Award recipient; and Susan Osborne, director of Patient Experience. At top, right, are Guinn; Billie Little, 50-year service recognition; and Osborne. In the middle are Gary Ballew, Gary Benson, Laura Bock, Tina Brogdon, Joanne Davis and Earlene Dupree. In the bottom row are Jill Durden, Terr Ella Flood, Gloria Johnson, Doris McKenzie, Yvonne Otts and Melva Phelps.
Hamilton Medical Center volunteers were recently recognized at an annual luncheon.
“Volunteers are our best asset,” said Gay Ann Talley, volunteer coordinator. “We have an amazing group of people dedicated to serving others. It is such a blessing to be involved with the volunteers. They are the Heart of Hamilton and it shows each time they are here volunteering.”
During the luncheon, volunteers were celebrated for their years of service. They included: Laura Bock, Tina Brogdon, Jill Durden and Melva Phelps, five years; Gary Benson and JoAnne Davis, 10 years; Terr Ella Flood, 15 years; and Billie Little, 50 years.
“To celebrate 50 years of service is an amazing accomplishment,” Ms.
Talley said. “If you know Billie Little, her years of dedication to helping others would not surprise you. She is truly an amazing woman and inspiration to everyone she meets. We are so thankful for Billie’s devotion to Hamilton and grateful for all our volunteers and their service.”
Volunteers with more than 250 hours of service in the past service year (from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30) included Earlene Dupree, Roger Ellis, Terr Ella Flood and Dee Rockett. Diane Lewis, with 647 hours, was celebrated in the category of volunteers with more than 500 hours of service.
Hamilton’s PRIDE (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diligence and Excellence) values awards were awarded to Doris McKenzie for Professionalism, Yvonne Otts for Respect, Gloria Johnson for Integrity, Jenny McKenney for Diligence and Gary Ballew for Excellence.
Dee Rockett received the coveted 2024 Eva McCamy Award. Ms. Rockett has been volunteering since April 2010. In her 14-plus years of service, she has worked in several areas, including errands, Mother/Baby, Bistro and Gift Shop, where she recently transitioned.
“Dee’s smile brightens my day each time I see her,” Ms. Talley said. “She is a wonderful volunteer and I am so grateful to have her with us. Dee always has a positive attitude and such a sweet nature about her that makes everyone feel like they have just met their new best friend.”
The Eva McCamy Award was created many years ago to honor Eva McCamy for her outstanding, selfless, dedicated volunteer service for Hamilton during World War II. She served as one of the first Gray Ladies at Hamilton Memorial Hospital (HMC’s name at the time). Yearly, this award is given to someone who consistently displays leadership as well as a gentle servant heart.
“I am so thankful for our volunteers and their dedication to serving others. I have the best job in the world and love being here with each and every one of them.” Ms. Talley said. “Thank you, volunteers, for your service. We are blessed.”
For more information about becoming part of Hamilton’s volunteer team, call 706-272-6147. Applications are available at the information desk located at the front entrance of the hospital or on the second floor in the Volunteer Command Center.