Page 66 - Robeson Living Winter 2021
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Volunteer driver program shares
year in review
As part of a year-in-review summary for UNC Health that is where I get my ‘love economy’ is giving to others,”
Southeastern’s Compassion for U, U Care Connectors said Collins. “We are not just giving, we are receiving.”
Program Grant, the health system premiered a full-length
video for stakeholders recently, detailing the program The program is administered by UNC Health Southeast-
structure, including patient and volunteer testimonials. ern’s Pastoral Care Services department, led by Chaplain
Rev. Dean Carter and supported by Nicole Sanderson. To-
The U Care Connectors is a program that “connects” vol- gether, they coordinated almost 1,500 trips by 14 active
unteer drivers with patients who need transportation to volunteers during the reporting period of July 1, 2020,
medical appointments. It is funded through grants from though June 30, 2021.
the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust as well as the
North Carolina Health Care Foundation. “I am extremely proud of the team who has spearhead-
ed this program, as well as our volunteer Connectors,”
In the video, Patient Janice Cargo shared her love for the said Chris Ellington, President and CEO of UNC Health
program and that, without transportation provided by it, Southeastern. “They have the best interests of the patients
her health would be negatively impacted. at heart, while realizing our organizational vision of ad-
vancing the health of our communities through partner-
“These people put the ‘C’ in compassion,” said Cargo. ships, learning, and providing high quality and compas-
“The kicker is they don’t like--they love what they do… sionate care.”
They are the sweetest people to me; they are family…
When I am transported by them, it is a good day.” The theme throughout the video presentation, addressed
by representatives from Kate B. Reynolds and the NC
Faye Collins is a volunteer “Connector” who found the Health Care Foundation, was how the transportation bar-
program as an outlet for mission work after she retired. rier in rural communities often prevents those who are
most vulnerable to miss much-needed health care treat-
“I thought, what can I do to help somebody else, because ments and appointments.
Page 66 Robeson Living ~ Winter 2021
