Mount Sinai Hospital Queens Hosts Volunteer Open House
V olunteering can be a gratifying

experience at any age. The volunteers at Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens range from high school students through retirees and every stage in between. Become a part of a dedicated team that strives to exceed the needs and expectations of patients, families and employees- and contribute to your community in a meaningful way. Students and possible career-changers can also gain valuable experience working in a healthcare setting.

The hospital Volunteer Services operation is hosting an open house for potential volunteers on Thursday, September 6 from 10 a.m. to noon and from 5 to 7 p.m. The open house will take place in the Patient Resource Room, located on the first floor of the hospital at 25- 10 30th Ave., Long Island City, and is an excellent chance to meet the organizers and get more information about how volunteering can fit in with any potential volunteer's lifestyle.

Mount Sinai Queens volunteers serve in many capacities, working directly with patients on clinical units and in special care areas and diagnostic departments, as well as assisting patients indirectly through administrative support and at special events. Examples of opportunities to help and to learn include volunteering to:

• Visit and assist patients and their families throughout the hospital.

• Greet patients and/or advocate for them in the Emergency Department.

• Assist with a community wide breast cancerscreening program.

• Distribute books and music directly to patients in the nursing units.

• Participate in the Assist the Music for Healing program, in which visiting musicians perform for patients.

• Provide clerical support to one of the many administrative offices throughout the hospital.

All volunteers receive orientation and the training necessary to complete their volunteer jobs. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to help an important neighborhood institution.

For more information or to register for the open house, call 1-800-YOUR MDS (1-800-968-7637).