January’s Volunteer of the Month: Lee Rowand
This unique clinic would not be able to function without the support of amazing volunteers, just like Mr. Lee Rowand. Lee has been volunteering for more than a year, and works in the prescription assistance department at LVIM. He puts in over 10 hours every week to the cause.
Each day, he says he is rewarded in two ways. First, he feels blessed to be working side by side other wonderful volunteers that share a passion for helping people. Secondly, he is overwhelmed by the overall gratitude and relief that patients show when someone at LVIM is able to help them. Lee says, “Whether it’s scheduling a doctor’s appointment or getting prescriptions for patients, it really makes you feel like you’re making a difference in someone’s life.”
Lee moved back to Lakeland a year and a half ago after 25 years in Ft. Lauderdale, where he worked as a television-programming director and creative director for large companies such as PBS and NBC. He also won an Emmy Award for a children’s educational television series he created.
Vol’un’teer
A person who gives freely of their time to make a difference in the lives of others.
Volunteers are very important at Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine – in fact they are our greatest asset! Since LVIM opened its doors in February, 2001, we have enrolled over 16,600 patients in 300,000 patient visits, filled over 250,000 prescriptions and performed over 16,000 radiology exams. Over 3,000 volunteers and 400 doctors, dentists and ARNP’s have donated their time.
But as you can see with this large volume of patients, it takes skilled people of all backgrounds and professions to make everything run properly. You don’t have to have a medical background to volunteer, as there are many other opportunities to serve the uninsured of Polk County. Check out these awesome positions:
- Clinical providers such as: physicians, ARNP’s, PA’s, RN’s, LPN’s, MA’s
- Patient schedulers
- Receptionists
- Greeters
- Intake screeners
- Patient escorts
- Medical records clerks
- Clerical assistants
- Referral services support
- Interpreters
- Lawn care services
- Facility & equipment maintenance
- Information systems support
- Housekeeping services
Although everyone works very hard at Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, we also have a lot of fun throughout the year! On top of the “Volunteer of the Month” recognition, we have a “Volunteer of the Year” award at the Annual Volunteer Christmas party. In addition to the award, we have lots of great food, entertainment and door prizes.
In the summer, we have a volunteer party as a way to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. Last year was our best party ever – we had lots of great BBQ, ice cream sundaes and fun games. Throughout the year, we celebrate the different holidays with some type of celebration – Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, etc.
Everyone is needed – everyone is valued.
It’s easy to become a volunteer! contact Volunteer Director, Kim Katsaras, at kim.katsaras@lvim.net. Or you can call her at 863.688.5846 , x116. All Volunteer Positions are part-time only.
