West Texas VA Health Care System - Volunteer Service

 Description of Program:

The VA Voluntary Service Program, Big Spring, Texas, provides an opportunity to “serve those who have served.” Located in the Permian Basin Region, the Big Spring VA medical facility serves approximately 16,000 veterans that reside in one of VA’s largest primary service areas that span over 74,000 square miles.

Currently, the Volunteer Program consists of approximately 500 adult volunteers and 85 youth volunteers. Majority of the volunteers are assigned to a variety of duties at the Medical Center; however, many also volunteer at the Community Based Outpatient Clinics located in Abilene, San Angelo, Odessa, Texas and Hobbs, New Mexico.

The Office of Community Relations is located in Room 6 of the VA Medical Center. All new volunteers are required to complete the application and orientation process prior to being placed in a job assignment. The hours of operation of the Community Relations office is 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 Volunteer Programs:

• Courtesy Cart – Volunteer Service Organization purchased an 8-seater golf cart to implement a shuttle service providing veterans with transportation from the parking lot to the front door of the medical center. This program is available through the efforts of our dedicated volunteers.
• Ambassador Program – The Ambassador Program has a volunteer designated for each weekday to deliver “welcome kits” to all new admissions to the medical center and visit other hospitalized veterans as time permits. The welcome kits consist of toiletry items, phone card, paperback books, and socks. The patients are grateful for the comfort items that are provided through donations to the voluntary program.
• Memorial Ladies – The Memorial Ladies is a relatively new program created to honor and attend our veterans’ last tribute at the local cemeteries. Dressed in patriotic uniform, they give a condolence card to the families and affirm that they are there to give honor to their loved one who gave military service to his country.
• VA Cadette/Cadet Program: The VA Cadette/Cadet Program is an exciting program created for the younger generation. The goal is to target youth volunteers that might be influenced into seeking a medical profession. The Cadette/Cadet’s are primarily assigned to nursing positions and receive “hands-on” training; i.e., vital signs, bed making, feeding, etc. The program is limited to 12 volunteers and is an eight-week program during the summer.

 Volunteer Opportunities

Many volunteer opportunities exist at the West Texas VA Health Care System. Clerical support, Memorial Lady volunteers, popcorn sales, courtesy cart drivers, and DAV drivers are among the “most recruited” list. Other volunteer assignments needed include information booth attendants, recreation assistants, Ambassadors, ICU Waiting Room, musical entertainers, and escort volunteers for the afternoons. During the summer, youth volunteers are always needed. Big Spring initiated a VA Cadette/Cadet Program for young volunteers interested in pursuing a nursing career.

 Application Process:

Anyone interested in becoming a regularly scheduled volunteer or an occasional volunteer are encouraged to contact the Office of Community Relations, West Texas VA Health Care System, Big Spring, Texas. The toll free number is 1-800-472-1365, ext. 4824 or 432-264-4824. Many opportunities are available to give back to those that have given so much.
 

 Volunteer Rewards/Benefits:

The definition of volunteer, in VA terminology, is “without compensation employee.” Volunteers are eligible for annual flu vaccinations and are treated for “on–the-job” injuries while volunteering at the medical center. Volunteers that provide four or more hours of service to the VA are entitled to a meal in the Veteran’s Canteen Service. Volunteer recognition ceremony is held annually to honor volunteers with pins and certificates. The greatest gift of all is the giving of yourself.
 

Community Relations Office
West Texas VA Health Care System
Big Spring, Texas.
Toll free number is 1-800-472-1365, ext. 4824 or 432-264-4824
Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 VAVS Committee:

The primary purpose of the VAVS Committee is to assist with the coordination of plans and policies for community participation in the VAVS Program. The VAVS is comprised of representatives and deputy representatives from service organizations. The VAVS Committee meets quarterly on the third Tuesday of the first month of each quarter.