Elizabeth Andrew once said “Volunteers don’t necessarily have time; they just have heart.” As family physicians, we understand that you may not have time, but we know you have heart. You couldn’t do your job without it, because family physicians are “the beating hearts” of health care. That’s why the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians is challenging its members to commit 70 hours of community service in honor of its 70th anniversary.
This 70-hour commitment can be done as a team, whether it’s your practice, residency, or medical school program. We understand that schedules are busy, work weeks are long, and free time, when you have it, can be rare. But, we challenge you to give back to your communities, and we encourage you to do it with your office, resident peers, or classmates. “There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return,” once said by the late Nelson Mandela.
On June 14, the OAFP staff volunteered for an hour at the Clintonville/Beechwold Community Resource Center (CRC), helping to set-up chairs, tables, and tents for an outdoor BBQ, bringing together senior citizens for an afternoon of good food and conversation among friends and neighbors. In total, the OAFP staff has contributed a combined 39 hours, and are more than half way to their goal.
CRC, a community-based social services agency, helps a vulnerable population of older adults who live in poverty or that have disabilities due to physical impairment or mental health.
Watch our volunteer experience at the Clintonville/Beechwold Community Resource Center:
The CRC helps many seniors living in the Clintonville/Beechwold area remain independent and safe in their own homes, while also providing recreational activities to prevent social isolation. Activities include social outings to the Columbus Museum of Art and the Franklin Park Conservatory, as well as weekly grocery trips and home visits for personal assistance. All services are free of charge. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, “Nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age,” which is why this program is so important to the Clintonville/Beechwold community.
For more information about the Academy’s community service initiative, visit its website. And, watch future editions of the Weekly Family Medicine Update to see where the staff volunteers next!