In observance of National Volunteer Month, senior leaders and staff at Cooper University Health Care recognized the hundreds of dedicated men and women who donate their time and efforts to support the hospital’s mission, to serve, to heal and to educate.
A thank-you luncheon was held on April 12, 2016, to honor the 654 active volunteers who performed a remarkable 72,809 hours of service in 2015. A number of special awards were presented at the luncheon.
Linda Sauerwein was named Volunteer of the Year. Linda, a retired nurse, spearheaded a new volunteer-led falls-prevention program in conjunction with clinical staff. The pilot program instituted in 2015 helped reduce falls by more than 20 percent on the target unit.
Susan Bass Levin, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Cooper Foundation, recognized the Cooper Women’s Board for the group’s legacy of service. Founded in 1919, the Women’s Board has provided 97 years of continuous service to the hospital, including fundraising, sponsoring events, and hosting an annual holiday party for pediatric patients. Current members were honored at the luncheon.
A special award was also given to long-term volunteer Walter Baker for the most service hours. In 2015, he performed 547 hours of service, with more than 6,600 hours of service since he began volunteering in 1995.