National Volunteer Week is April 15 – 21

Hospital recognizes hardworking volunteers, offers volunteer jobs including infant cuddlers

(San Antonio, TX, April 16, 2018) - Baptist Health System is thanking its volunteers for providing much-needed and valuable services to patients and the community. BHS also is reminding those considering volunteering, that its five San Antonio hospitals offer numerous rewarding, interesting and educational opportunities including one considered to be most fulfilling – a volunteer infant cuddler.

Louan Powers, 57, says she has one of the most gratifying volunteer jobs in the world. She is an infant cuddler at Baptist Medical Center in San Antonio. Her job is to hold babies who range in age from one day old to a few weeks old in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“When mom and dad can’t be there for various reasons, I can step in immediately and provide that gentle human touch that their baby needs,” she said. “When those babies look into your eyes and fall asleep knowing they’re in safe, caring hands, it’s an amazing feeling. You know you’re doing something very special,” Powers said. Adults who apply, interview and pass a strict background check may qualify as cuddlers. BHS also offers many other volunteer jobs in a wide range of areas including in:

• Emergency Department
• Laboratory and Pharmacy
• Admitting Office
• Nursing Units
• Food and Nutrition
• Human Resources
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Pastoral Care Department
• Surgery

The Adult Volunteer Program is for 21 – 92 year olds. BHS will also offer students ages 16 and 17 volunteer jobs this summer at its Mission Trail Baptist Hospital. For more information, call 210-297-7677 or visit the Baptist Health System web site at https://www.baptisthealthsystem.com and click on Volunteer with Us.