Lifeline, an affiliate of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), recently recognized volunteers who work with the emergency response system during a luncheon at Lake Lanier Island’s Legacy Lodge Resort & Conference Center. Volunteers were honored for their service and commitment to preserving the dignity of the physically disabled, medically at-risk and senior adults in our community.
Special guests from NGMC included Louis Smith, president of NGMC Gainesville; Scott Masters, director of Emergency Medical Transport and Lifeline; Gary Solesbee, operations manager of Medical Transport; Lynne Allen, director of Volunteer Services; Meah Kent, Volunteer Services manager in Braselton; Dot Dusenberry, president of The Medical Center Auxiliary; Jeff Thompson, director of Pastoral Care; Lorena Collins, Lifeline subscriber and spokesperson; Robbie Morgan, media specialist; and Dianne Appling, Lifeline coordinator. Each special guest personally thanked the volunteers for their dedication, passion and vision to our community.
Lifeline subscriber Nancy Brewer was among the Lifeline subscribers featured at the luncheon. Her husband, Jim Brewer, shared the stage with her while she spoke about how Lifeline has allowed her to maintain her independence.
“It’s like having a good friend by your side,” said Mrs. Brewer. “I am able to live as independently as possible while having the comfort of knowing that help, if needed, is just a push of a button away.”
Gary Solesbee, operations manager of Medical Transport, spoke passionately about how he is inspired by all volunteers who dedicate their time to the program.
“The Lifeline volunteers do much more than just volunteer; it’s inherent in who they are,” said Solesbee. “They truly exemplify and live by the core values of Northeast Georgia Health System: respectful compassion, deep interdependence, responsible stewardship and a passion for excellence.”
Medical Center Auxiliary volunteers Mr. and Mrs. Jim Telford founded Lifeline of Northeast Georgia Medical Center 32 years ago. The two formed and co-chaired a committee to research emergency response systems. The first unit was installed by Catherine Telford for Ms. Ocie Pope, founder of the Hall School of Nursing, on September 18, 1984.
During the course of three decades, Lifeline volunteers have installed 2,820 units, driven more than 1 million miles and given more than 40,664 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 heart of the program,” said Dianne Appling, Lifeline coordinator. “It is an honor to stand behind the wealth of knowledge, compassion and commitment each one of you display. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers, and all of you in the organization, for your support these past 32 years.”
For more information about the Lifeline program, new wireless equipment or to request information about how to become a volunteer, call 770-219-8899. Lifeline serves subscribers in Hall, White, Lumpkin, Dawson, Forsyth, Stephens, Rabun, Towns, Union, Banks, Jackson, Habersham and Barrow Counties.
