Bay Pines VA Volunteers Contribute Greatly to Positive Care Outcomes
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System needs volunteers to fill many rolls across our healthcare system. No one understands the importance of this role better than Center for Development and Civic Engagement Specialist Edgardo Solivan.
“I’ve been doing this since 2008,” said Solivan. “It’s been a rewarding experience.”
Solivan started his VA journey in the Technical Career Field Trainee Program . The program is a two-year internship that places individuals in critically identified positions throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“After my two years of training, I stayed here at Bay Pines VA in Voluntary Service,” explained Solivan.
As one of the members in the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE), formerly known as Voluntary Service, Solivan is responsible for facilitating many of the behind-the-scenes activities that contribute to a Veteran having a positive experience while at the Bay Pines VA.
“CDCE is responsible for many things,” said the U.S. Army Veteran. “We train new volunteers, we conduct volunteer outreach, and we manage the receipt of donations from our generous community partners.”
Solivan stressed that without our volunteers, often overlooked elements of a Veteran's healthcare experience would not be easily fulfilled. In FY23, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System was privileged to have more than 700 volunteers provide support to various areas across the healthcare system.
“We have volunteers who drive the golf carts that pick-up Veterans and carry them from the parking lots to their destinations,” said Solivan. “We have volunteers at the help desk in the hospital, at the Community Living Center, Hospice and many more places. We also have them helping with receiving and distributing donations.”
The volunteers come from all areas of the community and represent a variety of professions, physical abilities, age groups and ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
“I’ve had all types of people, ranging from CEOs to retired Veterans, come through here to donate their time,” said Solivan. “Each one has their own reason on why they want to volunteer.”
Some of the benefits associated with volunteer work include improved health, letters of recommendation, training opportunities, and eligibility for scholarships offered by service organizations and the VA.
“Volunteering is a healthy way of giving back to the Veterans who gave so much to us,” said Solivan. “It’s very gratifying to the volunteer as well as the patients, families, visitors and caregivers.”
To learn more about how you can become a volunteer, please call the CDCE at 727-398-9394.