Volunteer with a Nonprofit with a 40-Year Tradition of Caring for Life
By ELYZABETH MARCUSSEN
Hospice of the Chesapeake
PASADENA, Md. (July 9, 2019)—Forty years ago, Hospice of the Chesapeake began its journey of caring for life with four volunteers serving four patients. Four decades later, more than 42,000 hospice patients have been served by more than 5,200 volunteers in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties.
The need for volunteers is constant for this nonprofit organization. Volunteers play a vital role on the hospice team by visiting and providing comfort to patients, performing honor salutes, supporting caregivers, serving as counselors and facilitators in grief programs, acting as advocates at community events and assisting in our offices and inpatient care centers.
There is an immediate need for military personnel—active or veteran—to perform Honor Salutes for veteran patients. More than 25 percent of hospice patients are veterans, which is why Hospice of the Chesapeake has focused much energy on addressing their unique needs. Each year, more than 150 of these brief yet powerful ceremonies are performed at the homes and bedsides of dying veterans, leaving a lasting impact on not only the patient, but their family and friends. Minimal training and an authorized military dress uniform is required to serve in this position.
The organization has been intensifying its outreach effort to educate the community on the importance of end-of-life and advanced illness planning, resulting in an increased need for community outreach volunteers to advocate for hospice, palliative and bereavement care at healthcare fairs, senior fairs and other public events.
Music plays an important role in the care of hospice patients and there is a need for musicians to supplement the therapeutic music program. Therapeutic certification or experience is not required as basic training will be provided.
Other areas of need include:
• Patient Visitors provide companionship and a supportive presence for our patients and respite for caregivers. They offer a listening ear, open mind and loving heart to those in our care.
• Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteers: These are patient visitors with a military background assigned to visit patients who are veterans.
• Vigil volunteers: Available upon request to support patients and families during the final days and hours of life. Additional training is provided.
• Licensed cosmetologists: Provide haircuts and other grooming to our patients in their homes.
• Healing arts: Aromatherapy, Comfort Touch and reiki practitioners (free training is provided), therapeutic musicians, artists and pet therapy animals with their owners.
• Grief support: Provide a caring presence either by phone or in person to support grieving individuals.
• Four-wheel drivers: Volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles are needed to assist patients and staff in inclement weather.
Become a hospice volunteer if you are age 18 or older and willing to complete volunteer training. Opportunities also exist for high school students and internships are available. Free training is provided; in fact, many enjoy taking advantage of the variety of complimentary learning opportunities offered to volunteers and staff. Contact joinus@hospicechesapeake.org, 443-837-1508 or visit www.hospicechesapeake.org/volunteer for more information.
TOP OF PAGE
Council Member Dannielle Glaros Connects District 3 Residents and County Resources
By ANGELA ROUSON
Prince George’s County Council Media
Upper Marlboro (July 8, 2019)—Prince George’s County Council Member Dannielle Glaros (D) – District 3, will host Resource Workshops: Bringing Services to You, a series of community events aimed at bringing County resources to District 3 residents. Events will be held on the fourth Thursdays in July and August, 6–8 p.m., at the New Carrollton Branch Library, 7414 Riverdale Road, in New Carrollton.
During the month of July, residents will have an opportunity to learn more about tax credits for renters and homeowners. Event participants will also be able to apply on-site prior to the September 3, 2019 deadline. “Each year we are contacted by residents who are unaware of the tax credits they may be eligible for,” said Council Member Glaros. “By providing residents with information on this program, I’m hopeful that more will apply for the tax relief they may need.”
On Thursday, August 22, residents will have the opportunity to learn more about community resources for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
The first summer series event, held on June 27, featured the Department of the Environment’s Rain Check Rebate Program.
For questions or additional information please contact Alesha Wilson, District 3 Community Engagement & Special Projects Coordinator, at 301-952-3060 or aewilson@co.pg.md.us.
Tax Credits for Renters and Homeowners—July 25, 2019
Resources for Individuals Living with Dementia and their Caregivers—August 22, 2019
TOP OF PAGE
Hospital Receives 3rd Consecutive Gold-Level Rating in Wellness at Work Awards
By CHONDRIA ANDREWS
Doctors Community Hospital
Lanham, Md. (July 11, 2019)—Doctors Community Hospital has earned its third consecutive gold-level rating in the 2019 Wellness at Work Awards program. This statewide honor recognizes exemplary accomplishments in the promotion of workplace health and well-being.
The Wellness at Work Awards is sponsored by the Healthiest Maryland Businesses program, which is a statewide movement to create a culture of wellness—an environment that makes the healthiest choice the easiest choice. This initiative recognizes Maryland employers who are dedicated to protecting and promoting wellness in the workplace based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Workplace Health Model. Applicants also provide assessments about the planning, management, implementation and evaluation of their programs and activities.
Some of these initiatives include:
• Low-cost gym available to employees and their family members
• Healthy food options in the cafeteria and vending machines
• Free seminars with topics ranging from stress management to nutrition education
• Wellness navigators who serve as health coaches
• A community garden that encourages light exercising and healthy eating
TOP OF PAGE
Maryland State Police, Vehicle Theft Prevention Council Offer Tips to Secure Vehicles
By RON SNYDER
Maryland State Police Office of Media Communications
PIKESVILLE, Md. (July 10, 2019)—The Maryland State Police, along with the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, are reminding motorists to take simple steps to avoid having their vehicles stolen.
The warnings come as July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. In Maryland, a car is stolen every 40 minutes, while one is stolen every 45 seconds in the United States.
Overall, 50 percent of the vehicles stolen had the keys inside the vehicle while 60 percent of the vehicles stolen were left unlocked. Also, more than 66 percent of vehicle thefts occur at night and 95 percent of the vehicles stolen had no anti-theft devices.
Nationally, more than 773,000 vehicles were stolen in the United States in 2017. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only about 59 percent of all stolen motor vehicles are ever recovered. According to the FBI, the approximate cost of vehicles stolen in the United States in 2017 totaled $6 billion.
Here are steps you can take to prevent motor vehicle theft:
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.
• Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
• Always stow away your valuables.
The Maryland General Assembly created the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council in 1994 as a statewide planning and dedicated funding resource. The Council embraces a statewide strategy directed at public awareness, vehicle theft by juveniles, law enforcement and prosecution through a grant award process.
For more information, see https://mdsp.maryland.gov/
Organization/Pages/OfficeoftheSuperintendent/VehicleTheftPreventionCouncil.aspx
TOP OF PAGE
