GAINESVILLE - Lifeline, an affiliate of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) http://www.nghs.com, recently recognized volunteers who work with the emergency response system.
At a luncheon at Lake Lanier Islands’ Legacy Lodge Resort & Conference Center, volunteers were honored for 31 years of commitment to "preserving the dignity of the physically disabled, medically at-risk and senior adults in our community."
Special guests included Mike Skobba, chief nursing officer, NGMC Braselton; Scott Masters, director of Emergency Medical Transport; Lynne Allen, director of Volunteer Services; Barbara Bostwick, president of The Medical Center Auxiliary; and Jeff Thompson director of Pastoral Care.
Lifeline subscriber and WWII Navy veteran P.G. Caudell was among those honored. Caudell demonstrated his GoSafe help button, which allows him to communicate with a representative at Lifeline’s central office.
“I am comforted to know I have the ability to call for help 24 hours a day, with the touch of a button,” says Caudell. “I am able to spend my time taking care of my 25 acres of land and planning an annual naval ship reunion without worrying.”
Gwen McMillan, a 92-year-old Lifeline subscriber who lives alone, also addressed the group with a humorous presentation titled “A Wonderful Life.” Ms. McMillan herself continues to live a “wonderful life.” Among other things, she was the first female welder for Pullman Company during WWII, a model, an author of college courses and textbooks and a tutor of many young people.
Medical Center Auxiliary volunteers Jim and Catherine Telford founded Lifeline of Northeast Georgia Medical Center 31 years ago. The two formed and co-chaired a committee to research emergency response systems. The first unit was installed by Catherine Telford September 18, 1984, for Ocie Pope, founder of the Hall School of Nursing.
During the course of 31 years, Lifeline volunteers have installed 2,748 units, driven more than 1 million miles and given more than 38,994 volunteer hours – allowing subscribers to continue living independently, in their homes, with the security of knowing they can quickly access help if they need it.
“The Lifeline volunteers are the reason Lifeline has enjoyed three decades of success and faces a bright future. Our volunteers bring talent, passion, incredible work ethic and tremendous knowledge,” says Dianne Appling, Lifeline coordinator. “The difference they make in the lives of so many is powerful and comes at a time when the need has never been greater. Thank you for giving your time to help others.”
For more information about the Lifeline program, new wireless equipment or to request information about how to become a Lifeline volunteer, call 770-219-8899. Lifeline serves subscribers in Hall, White, Lumpkin, Dawson, Forsyth, Stephens, Rabun, Towns, Union, Banks, Jackson, Habersham and Barrow counties.
