Written by Clara Huff, American Red Cross of Colorado, Service to the Armed Forces
The American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Summer Youth Program at Evans Army Community Hospital in Fort Carson, Colorado, ran from June 3rd through July 22nd. Nine teens who had participated in the program last year and another ten teens between the ages of 14 to 17 provided administrative support, patient transport, specimen transport and chaperone services in 14 clinics.
In some cases, the youth volunteers observed procedures in the ward they volunteered in (as long as the provider and patient agreed). Two of the volunteers, while assisting surgical staff by bringing sterile surgical carts and equipment from the sterile supply area into the operating room, were able to observe surgical procedures.
The teens volunteered anywhere from 1 to 5 days a week, depending on their availability. Most of the teens who participated in the program are interested in a medical career and were volunteering to understand better what may interest them.
Two returning teens from last year’s program have influenced a younger sister or brother to also participate in this year’s program. For several years, at least one teen from our program was recognized as a Fort Carson Youth Volunteer of the Year. This year the teens volunteered over 1,850 hours and a couple are planning to volunteer until school starts.
All of the students also completed CPR training.
We are PROUD of our Red Cross of Colorado Youth Volunteers!
