AU Health Looking for Volunteers for “No One Dies Alone” Program

For most people, being surrounded by loved ones in our final moments of life would bring the most comfort, but not everyone has someone.  Some find themselves alone and without the emotional comfort they need.

That's why the Office of Spiritual Care at Augusta University Health is launching an initiative called No One Dies Alone (NODA), to ensure that all patients have compassion and companionship at the end of life.

"For patients without families, this means having a peaceful transition.  Somebody is constantly with them, holding their hand, letting them know it's okay, you're not alone," said Reverend Stephen Hughes, Associate Director of Spiritual Care.

Hughes said six volunteers are needed to get the program going.  Following training sessions together, the volunteers will take turns sitting with patients who are alone and close to the end of life.

Potential volunteers will have to go through a background check and drug screening, in addition to intense training that involves learning about the dying process and how to provide the care the patient needs.

For more information, or to learn how to apply, call Reverend Stephen Hughes or Chaplain Linda Hamilton in The Office of Spiritual Care at 706-721-2929.