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Whether through reading a story aloud to a young patient or lending a hand with administrative work in a busy office, volunteers play a crucial role at New York Methodist Hospital. Both employees and patients greatly benefit from the work that volunteers selflessly provide. This past year 800 volunteers gave over 60, 00 hours of service to the Hospital.

To honor the volunteers for their invaluable contributions, NYM recently held the 2008 Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. Special guest Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President, told volunteers, "You're motivated, you believe in your cause, and you believe in your work. The patients here benefit in so many ways because of what you do." Five volunteers were honored with individual awards for their support and dedication.

The Ann Chisena Award for Community Involvement was presented to Diana Rivers and Alyson Grant. Ms. Rivers lives in lower Manhattan and Ms. Grant lives in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Both Ms. Rivers and Ms. Grant are pre-med students at New York University who have been key members of NYM's Health Literacy Program. Ms. Rivers and Ms. Grant help parents understand and correctly follow dosing information for over the counter medications, and to better understand nutritional information on food boxes and containers.

Bob Ipcar and his wife Jane Landis were the recipients of the Marie La Ruffa Award for Patient Care. The couple lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and they've volunteered in NYM's Good Dog program for almost ten years, visiting patients in the Hospital's Geriatric Psychiatry and Rehabilitation Units.

The Frank Spera Award for Dependability was presented to Toni Delorge. Ms. Delorge has been a Family Liaison Volunteer for eight years. She works with patients' family members while the patients are in the Operating Room. Ms. Delorge has lived in Park Slope, Brooklyn for over thirty years.

Tara Greene was the recipient of the Mary Velez Emergency Room Award for Excellence. Ms. Green is a Project Contact volunteer in the Emergency Department, where she is also a designated volunteer trainer who shows new volunteers how the Emergency Department works. Ms. Greene lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The New York Methodist Auxiliary Award for Outstanding Service by a High School Student was given to Maidul Safa, a senior at Xaverian High School. Mr. Safa lives in Kensington, Brooklyn, and he is a patient care volunteer in the Ambulatory Surgery Department, where he has devoted over 200 hours of his time.

"Our volunteers understand that they are here for patients and strive to provide the best support possible," said Mimi Makovitzky, director of education and volunteer resources at NYM. "The Hospital is grateful to all of you."

New York Methodist Hospital encourages all interested individuals to apply for volunteer opportunities at the Hospital. To apply, go to http://www.nym.org, click on community outreach, and then select volunteer opportunities to complete an application.