Hospital-Based Junior Volunteer Programs Are Key to Communities Growing Their Own Health Care Workforce

The West Texas Area Health Education Center (AHEC) program works with communities across its 105-county region to develop hospital-based volunteer activities for high school students. The purpose of the Junior Volunteer (JV) program isto provide opportunities for students to explore their interest in health careers through hands-on experience in a medical facility, working closely with professionals and patients to get a well-rounded experience in their desired field.
Not only does the volunteer experience benefit the students, it also is a tremendous resource to the hospital. Students contribute to the operations of the hopsital by assisting hospital staff with various duties, including transporting patients, running errands, and assisting with nursing care as appropriate.

Communities are made stronger by their citizens' volunteer efforts. Young people learn the value of service to others, while at the same time gain experience that helps prepare them for their future endeavors. Finally, because these students have been exposed to the health care system in their community, they recognize that their hometown offers practice opportunities they can come back to.
Clay Taylor, CEO at Yoakum County Hospital in Denver City, Texas, which hosts the newest JV program in West Texas, explains, "We reconginze that our community has to grow our own professionals, and the volunteer program helps us do that."

If you are interested in setting up an experience, please contact Panhandle AHEC or call 806-651-3481