The Junior Volunteer Program offers community youth an insider’s view of  the hospital in exchange for a few volunteer hours a week.
Junior Volunteers are 15-18 years old; they work a minimum of two hours a week, after school or on weekends.  During their shift, they wear khakis, white collared shirts and white soft-soled shoes – and their ELIH-issued hospital badge.
 

“Junior Volunteers learn the caring ways of our community hospital as they assist patients and staff,” explains Fran Reichert, Junior Volunteer Program Coordinator.  “Some typical activities Junior Volunteers help with include wheeling patients, cleaning gurneys, bringing specimens to the lab, filing charts, and running errands to the pharmacy.” 
 

One favorite area of student volunteers is the Emergency Room – and current junior volunteer Wilson Quizhpi is no exception.  “I like helping patients most of all,” says Quizhpi -  and in the ER, he is able to assist in providing immediate, direct assistance to those in need.
 

In addition to the rewards inherent in  serving his community, Quizhpi, whose family has lived on the North Fork since 2001, particularly values the behind-the-scenes insight he has been privileged to gain as a volunteer. 
 

Quizhpi, a senior at Mattituck High School, began volunteering in January 2010; he has recently completed 100 hours of work, pitching in every Sunday morning from 8 to 10 AM.  He is currently awaiting college acceptance letters, and is excited for what comes next – though his time at ELIH is drawing to a close.  As he faces new challenges and next steps, he will surely bring with him the valuable experience and insights he gained as an Junior Volunteer.
 

Interested in becoming an ELIH Junior Volunteer?  Contact Fran Reichert- 631-477-5196.