ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

Voluntary Service (24V)

2215 Fuller Road

Ann Arbor, MI 48105

(734) 761-7995

VOLUNTARY SERVICE NEEDS LIST

February 2, 2002

PERSONAL COMFORT ITEMS FOR PATIENTS

    We accept donations of the personal comfort items listed below. All donated items must be alcohol free. Voluntary Services is always aware of the immediate needs of our veteran patients and many times, businesses will offer lower prices to a non-profit organization.

*urgently needed items, (individual sizes requested) 

 Your donations are greatly

THANK YOU!

   Oversize patient wheelchairs (often referred to as "Big Boy Chairs") are needed for outpatient areas. The hospital has a limited supply of these large sized chairs. Cost of the chair with an overhead anti-theft device is approximately $400 per chair. Donations may be made to GPF 003 (Specific Donations).

   Pumice stones which are used to inhibit the growth of callous over metatarsal heads and other areas are needed for diabetic patients. Often the callous builds up which can lead to foot ulcers in the diabetic patient; ulcers frequently lead to amputations. The Physical Therapy Department and Orthotics Prosthetics Clinic would disperse these items. This is an over the counter product that is not carried in our pharmacy. often patients cannot afford these simple items or do not understand what it is to purchase. The provision of these items would help the medical center meet the Prevent Amputation Care Team (PACT) goals. Donations may be made to GPF 003 (Specific Donations).

    Staff from the Hospital Based Intensive Outpatient Treatment (HIOT) Program have requested mugs with the serenity prayer inscribed which are given to patients upon completion of the program. 

   The Occupational Therapy Department has requested A patient exercise computer program that links to the current printer in their department. Currently OT staff must travel to a location outside their area to make copies of prescribed exercise programs for patients, thus slowing patient care delivery.

    Requested software includes program module necessary to run all other programs, OT exercise and rehabilitation kit, strength training, and geriatric exercise and rehabilitation prescription kit. The estimated cost is $550. Donations may be made to GPF 003 (Specific Donations).

 RECLINER CHAIRS FOR SICU/MICU

    Six recliner chairs are requested for Phase II surgical recovery patients to utilize during their hospital stay in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and Medical Intensive Care Unit. These chairs are a much-needed addition to the respiratory and physical rehabilitation therapy for the patients.

The cost is estimated at $1,500 per chair. Donations can be made to GPF 003 (Specific Donations).

LIFELINE PROGRAM

    Social Services is requesting sponsorship for the Lifeline program for a minimum of one year. This service provides monitoring devices for veteran patients that live independently without supervised medical care. The monthly service fee is $25 per patient and currently 14 veterans are enrolled in the program. The estimated cost for currently enrolled veterans is $4,000 for one year. Donations can be made to GPF 034 (Lifeline Program).

   Social Work Service is always in need of funds to provide emergency services for veterans, their families, and/or significant others in time of need for transportation, food and other emergency needs. Canteen Books are issued by Social Work and are always needed for indigent patients. Donations may be made to GPF 009 (Social Services).

   The Extended Care Center (ECC) is expanding the existing television program options for inpatients. Two digital TV disc systems have been purchased for the two common areas (lounge and dining area). Donations for the monthly contract cost ($50 per unit) are needed. Donations may be made to GPF 241 (Nursing Home Care Unit).

COFFEE PROGRAM

   Donations of money, coffee, cream, sugar, sugar substitute and tea bags will be graciously accepted for both our inpatient and outpatient coffee programs. These donations will enable us to continue providing coffee to veterans on the psychiatric and alcohol treatment wards, and to those outpatients waiting to be seen for treatment. We also provide coffee to several areas such as Radiation Oncology, Hematology/Oncology, the Mental Health Clinic, Audiology and Speech, the Surgical Waiting Room, and place coffee in the new clinical addition for outpatients.

    Our coffee program is appreciated and well received by both inpatients and outpatients. Donations can be made to GPF 223 (Coffee Fund).

HEALTHCARE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS PROGRAM

     The following donated items are needed: stocking caps, scarves, hiking boots (water proof, new, sizes 7 to 12), gloves, sleeping bags and blankets, long underwear, and snack kits (packaged snack foods in sealed bags). Donations can be made to GPF 4050 (Healthcare for Homeless).

 CHAPLAIN SERVICE

    Chaplain Service continues to meet the spiritual needs of veteran patients. Donations are requested to improve the appearance of the chapel, to provide Bibles (including Vietnam Veterans, large print, King James Version, New Revised Standard Version) and other religious materials. Donations may be made to GPF 207 (Chaplain Service).

    A communications system capable of transmitting religious programs from the Chapel to patients' rooms is requested. This system would permit patients unable to attend Chapel services to enjoy services and prayer from their beside. Cost of this system is estimated at $30,000. Donations may be made to GPF 003 (Specific Donations Service).

    The Surgical Continuum is requesting "COUGH BUDDY BEARS" at a cost of $14.00 each to give to veteran patients who are undergoing surgical procedures or recovering from general anesthesia. The bears are placed on the incision site, act as a "splint" when coughing and become souvenirs of the care received. Donations may be made to GPF 003 (Specific Donations). 

LODGING AND TRAVEL FUNDS

   Donations are needed to help needy veterans and their families who travel to the medical center for treatment, but who do not meet VA travel regulations. Donations may be made to GPF 4029 (Lodging and Travel).

HEART PILLOWS

   The Thoracic Intensive Care Unit (TICU) is requesting "Heart Pillows" at a cost of $14.00 each to give to veteran patients who are undergoing heart surgery. The pillows are placed on the incision site, act as a "splint" when coughing and become souvenirs of the care received. Donations can be made to GPF 003 (Specific Donations). 

WOMEN VETERANS PROGRAM

   Our Women Veterans Program is progressing very well, and we continue to meet their needs. Individual sized comfort items designed especially for women are always requested. General Post Fund 022 has been established for the purpose of making the hospitalizations for female veterans as comfortable as possible.

    Electric toothbrushes are requested for dental patients suffering from arthritis, experiencing weakness in their hands, or who have suffered a stroke. Electric toothbrushes would allow these patients to practice better oral hygiene and permit them to retain their permanent teeth. Cost of the electric toothbrush is estimated at $60.00 and cost for replacement brushes is estimated at $17.00. Donations may be made to GPF 003 (Specific Donations).

 PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT

   Donations are needed for the new palliative care unit. These donations will help control/enhance the quality for life for veteran patients who are not yet hospice, but require specialized treatment programs. Donations may be made to GPF 221 (Palliative Care Unit).

 ECC - PATIENTURINALS

  Donations have been requested for ECC patients to purchase urinal holders. The urinal holders are washable and waterproof, so they can be used from patient to patient at a cost of $9.00 each, and may be kept on the bedside rail. If you are interested in purchasing urinal holders, donations may be made to GPF 003 (Specific Donations).

GENERAL DONATIONS