Newswise — Patients who cannot make it to the polls to vote in the historic presidential election Nov. 4 will have the polls brought to them, courtesy of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center volunteers . More than 25 volunteers will visit hundreds of patient care rooms to ensure any voter currently at Cedars-Sinai has an opportunity to cast a ballot. Delivering the means to participate in the democratic process to hundreds of hospital rooms is no easy task. Volunteers visit patients the day before the election to poll them on whether they would like a ballot delivered to their room on Election Day and help them complete Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters forms intended for hospitalized voters. Hospital employees deliver the forms to the registrar, and then pick up the appropriate absentee ballots on the morning of Election Day.
"This is one of the most rewarding projects that our volunteers pursue," said Barbara Leanse, volunteer services director for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. "They take pride in making sure the patients are able to exercise their right to vote. The patients are always so appreciative, and, in some cases, surprised by their commitment."
Volunteers contact every patient who requests an absentee ballot and deliver the completed ballots to the nearest polling place. In past presidential election years, volunteers at Cedars-Sinai have visited more than 700 patients on the Monday before Election Day to offer them the opportunity to vote.
Volunteers give more than 200,000 hours of service annually at Cedars-Sinai in a wide range of duties. They work throughout the hospital taking on responsibilities including assisting patients and visitors, helping patients during meals, staffing the Helping Hand Gift Shop and assisting in many hospital departments. Volunteer musicians " from guitarists and vocalists to harpists " bring song to patients and their families through the Music for Healing Volunteer Program. Even pets volunteer, bringing smiles and comfort through the P.O.O.C.H. program, which includes more than 40 dogs and their owners. To volunteer, call Volunteer Services at (310) 423-5231.
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