Sparks Health System

 Fort Smith     Arkansas

http://www.sparks.org     << visit website

Coverage:  Local

Categories:  Medical, [ view all ]

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Sparks Health System Charity Profile

Established in 1999, Sparks Health System is a fully integrated, not-for profit healthcare delivery system. Sparks Regional Medical Center offers a full range of medical specialties and advanced diagnostic facilities with the latest technologies to ensure that our patients receive the very best care. Our full-service health system also includes the physicians and clinics that are part of the Sparks Clinic, the Sparks Health System Foundation, responsible for all our philanthropy efforts, and our managed care organization, Sparks PremierCare. In addition, we operate the state's first hospital-based fitness center: the Marvin Altman Fitness Center.

At Sparks, we care about you: the members of our community. As your neighbor, we are committed to working together to build a healthier community.

Sparks Health System Volunteer Information

Sparks Regional Medical Center's physicians, nurses, technicians and other staff are not the only ones who promote healing and wellness for the whole person. An important part of our health care team is the volunteers who serve in nearly every department of our medical center. Collectively, more than 350 volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually. For some of them, volunteering provides an opportunity for interacting with people, making new friends, or giving something back to their community. Others find it a way to enhance their skills and explore possible careers. It is a privilege to volunteer in the special environment of health care, and our volunteers assist us in providing the finest possible care and services for our patients and guests. The greatest reward however, is the sense of giving of oneself to help others.

Some of the other advantages of volunteering at SPARKS:

Complimentary parking
Complimentary volunteer uniforms
Complimentary meals in the cafeteria
Recognition events in appreciation of volunteer participation
Opportunities to serve in an advisory capacity, such as the Volunteer Advisory Council
Earning hours, or credit for school, or community service
Invitations to special events
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
There are many reasons to become a volunteer, including fulfilling school or community service requirements, utilizing leisure time, and giving back to your community. However, one of the most important personal reasons is not always realized - volunteering is good for your health, particularly if you happen to be an older adult. While volunteering can enhance the quality of life at any age, research has shown that people over the age of 50 who volunteer and think positively live an average of seven and a half years longer than those with less positive perspectives. There are more than 32 million people over the age of 65, and within this age range, volunteering is one of the top factors for healthy life styles.

Regardless of your age, volunteering is a healthy choice whether you are 16 or 61. Consider for yourself our top five reasons for making volunteering your healthy choice:

1. Involvement. Your volunteer status makes you a vital part of your community. You can remain physically active, intellectually stimulated, all while being a part of a group with an important purpose.

2. Advantage. Volunteering is a great way to network, to earn necessary credit for school or community services, all while gaining both a professional and educational experience.

3. Reward. You can have a great time, enjoy various social and educational events, receive recognition for your efforts, and even receive complimentary meals.

4. Joy. Volunteering truly brings gladness into your life, and it's such an excellent way to get out and do good.

5. Accomplishment. Have you promised to do the following but never really got around to achieving these goals?

Lose a few pounds
Start a daily walking routine
Explore a new career
Become a positive role model

If you volunteer a few hours a week guiding patients and visitors around the hospital, you'll get in your walking exercise in a safe and friendly environment, and perhaps lose those extra pounds! On top of that, you can make new friends, have a chance to sample a dynamic new work environment, and be a model inspiration to others!

Teens (grades 9-12) and adults (age 18 and over) are eligible to volunteer and serve our community in a dynamic, interesting work environment.