Volunteers at VA Hospitals
Dr. Lloyd M. Krieger’s Community Essay (“In Defense of the VA Hospitals,” Saturday, Sept. 16) is thoughtful and true, but he neglected an integral part of the mechanics that make the [Veterans Administration hospitals] work--the volunteers. He speaks of patients, doctors, students nurses, residents’ and therapists but no mention of the hard working, dedicated, loving, generous volunteers. Ask any paid VA staff and they will undoubtedly tell you how invaluable the many volunteers are.
My mother, Eunice Blank , was a devoted volunteer at the West L.A. VA hospital. She went to her “job” every Friday for 10 years and accumulated 2,125 hours of volunteer service. She never missed a Friday. When my mother was diagnosed last September with pancreatic cancer, her one question to her doctor was “Can I still go to work? The veterans need me.” Within six weeks of my mother’s diagnosis she died, but not without returning to the VA to work. She no longer could drive, so she took the bus. Her job was that important to her. During her rapid decline she met many people. Mostly doctors, technicians and nurses. Undoubtedly she would begin all conversations with “I have 3 beautiful daughters and I’ve worked at the VA as a volunteer for 10 years. After all, they need me.”
Next time you see a volunteer, give them a smile or a hug or a wink. I’m sure it will be welcome.
STEPHANIE BLANK-SCOTT, Los Angeles