News Summary
HCA Florida Healthcare employees in Jacksonville dedicated 700 volunteer hours to local nonprofits through their ‘We Show Up for Our Communities’ initiative. Approximately 200 employees contributed to around 25 organizations, showcasing a strong commitment to community service. Statewide, HCA mobilized about 1,500 employees for 4,300 volunteer hours valued at around $144,000. This initiative aims not only to support local organizations but also to inspire future healthcare professionals through volunteer programs.
Jacksonville, Florida – Approximately 200 employees from HCA Florida Healthcare dedicated over 700 volunteer hours to local organizations in Jacksonville as part of their “We Show Up for Our Communities” initiative. This effort spanned several hospitals, including HCA Florida Memorial, Orange Park, and Putnam hospitals, and has provided significant support to around 25 local nonprofits.
The volunteer efforts have notably benefited various organizations such as Feeding Northeast Florida, Mandarin Food Bank, Hubbard House, Ronald McDonald House, The Women’s Center of Jacksonville, Daniel Kids, Beaches Go Green, and Keep Putnam Beautiful. A specific team from the Memorial group made contributions by helping to restore a tiger habitat at the Catty Shack Wildlife Ranch Sanctuary.
Statewide, the organization mobilized about 1,500 employees who collectively volunteered 4,300 hours across approximately 115 different events. The combined value of these volunteer hours is estimated at around $144,000 based on the current valuation of volunteer work in Florida.
The commitment to community service from HCA Florida Healthcare employees exemplifies a wider trend where hospital volunteers, many of whom are retirees, engage in community betterment activities. Research indicates that volunteering not only aids those in need but also enhances the mental health and life satisfaction of the volunteers themselves. This is particularly evident in long-time volunteers like Doris Wellner at Orange Park Medical Center, who has dedicated over a decade to providing comfort to patients and their families, and Helen McKnight, who has spent more than 12 years creating special items for pediatric patients.
In addition to fostering community ties, HCA Florida Healthcare is also focused on inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Eighteen high school juniors and seniors are currently involved in a summer volunteer program at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital. This unique initiative aims to give students firsthand experience in the medical field while motivating them to consider future careers in healthcare.
HCA Healthcare is a significant player in the health sector, operating 190 hospitals and over 2,400 ambulatory care facilities across the United States and the United Kingdom. Through initiatives such as volunteer days, the organization continues to demonstrate its commitment to community engagement and making a positive impact in the areas it serves.
The “We Show Up for Our Communities” initiative showcases the willingness of HCA Florida Healthcare employees to go beyond their professional roles, contributing their time and effort to enhance the well-being of local residents. Whether through direct service missions, food assistance, or wildlife conservation, the collective actions of these volunteers emphasize the importance of community involvement in promoting a healthier and more connected society.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Southern Grounds Coffee Chain Expands to Jacksonville Beach
Florida Among Worst States for Mental Health Care Access
Jacksonville Issues Air Quality Advisory Due to Elevated Ozone Levels
2025 South Florida 40 Under 40 Awards Honorees Announced
Jacksonville Plans New $1 Billion Jail Facility
Surge in Layoffs Raises Economic Concerns in Central Florida
Doral Center’s Transformation Boosts Occupancy Rates
Florida’s Business Landscape Thrives with New Openings
Florida Bans Fluoride in Public Water Systems
Jacksonville Real Estate Market Sees Significant Rise in Activity
Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: HCA Florida Healthcare Volunteers
- Wikipedia: Volunteerism
- South Florida Hospital News: HCA Florida Healthcare Community Support
- Google Search: HCA Florida Healthcare
- HCA Healthcare Today: Volunteers Deliver Smiles and Comfort
- Google Scholar: Volunteering Healthcare Benefits
- First Coast News: Summer Hospital Volunteer Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volunteering in Healthcare
