By Michele Egan, Chief Development Officer, MedShare
The significance of service to others cannot be overstated – volunteering and performing simple acts of kindness contribute to our well-being and foster community connections that can also combat feelings of isolation.
According to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy’s 2023 Report on the Loneliness Epidemic, nearly half of American adults reported experiencing loneliness, which can lead to serious health consequences, including anxiety, depression, and increased risk of chronic diseases. The report also suggested that engaging in acts of service can act as a powerful antidote to this pressing issue, uplifting those in need and enriching our lives in the process.
One Pathway is Volunteering
Studies show that individuals who regularly volunteer report higher levels of happiness and lower rates of depression. By dedicating time and energy to helping others, we build relationships that can positively affect our health.
Every year, thousands of dedicated individuals identify, sort, and pack medical supplies and equipment from manufacturers, hospital systems and distributors that will ultimately be donated to charitable healthcare organizations in the U.S. and around the world.
In fact, MedShare is extremely fortunate to have a crew of regular volunteers (lovingly called our OGs) who have dedicated their time several afternoons each week for decades. We value their diverse skills and experiences, of course, and I have a feeling that many MedShare sort sessions are part of their personal purpose. Needless to say, all of our volunteers play a critical role in our daily operations and the delivery of our mission.
Connecting through Group Volunteering
Many faith-based organizations support MedShare’s mission in various ways, whether through medical missions to healthcare-challenged countries or through significant group volunteer events. Medical mission teams help us extend our mission as they stock up on medical supplies from our Decatur distribution center before setting out to deliver vital healthcare services to marginalized communities around the world.
One of the most meaningful group volunteer activities involves the assembly of MedShare’s Clean Birthing Kits (CBKs), each of which includes 13 essential supplies needed for a safe and hygienic birth outside a medical facility. Given that, according to the UN and World Health Organization, 98% of maternal deaths are preventable and nearly 3 million infant deaths each year could be saved by access to low-cost, low-tech care, Clean Birthing Kits help protect a mom and her newborn from life-threatening infections and provide hope for a healthy future. Our longtime partner, Buckhead Church, annually organizes Serve events with 200 or more individuals and families to create 2000+ CBKs in a single afternoon!
Corporate Social Responsibility Contributes to a Connected Community
Corporate social responsibility, including volunteerism, is essential to achieving positive change in communities where employees live, work, and play. Studies have shown that employees who regularly participate in company-sponsored volunteer programs are more likely to feel a strong connection and sense of belonging at work. These acts also build trust. MedShare is fortunate to be able to count on so many of our corporate partners such as UPS, athenahealth, Kaiser Permanente and BD, among many others, who value the meaningful hands-on volunteer experiences we are able to provide for their employees.
Of course, MedShare is just one non-profit organization among many working together to create an engaged and more equitable Atlanta. Organizations such as Points of Light and Hands on Atlanta foster a culture of volunteerism, offer best practices, and match volunteers to rewarding volunteer opportunities that help improve health and well-being. Others, such as Habitat for Humanity, promote invaluable public/private collaboration and engage thousands of volunteers for the greater good. As I reflect on President Carter’s awe-inspiring legacy of service, I am struck by the depth of his compassion and commitment to serving others.
Since 2013, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of serving on the board and as an active committee member of the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta. I am proud to work with these passionate CSR practitioners who make daily investments that lift others up and improve our community. Together, we are building relationships that create purpose through service.
As we navigate the complexities of life today, let us remember the importance of reaching out and lending a hand. Selflessly serving others through volunteering or personal acts of kindness holds immense power. Together, we can transform the narrative of loneliness into one of solidarity, help, and human connection.
