Committed to advancing health and transforming lives, Reading Hospital continues to grow an innovative Employee Engagement Initiative that benefits the community and employees alike.
The initiative is the brainchild of Desha Dickson, Reading Hospital Associate Vice President for Community Wellness. Knowing that Reading Hospital employees had the desire to become more engaged in the community but faced the challenge of time, Dickson created the initiative in March 2012 to provide employees with an opportunity to participate in one volunteer activity per calendar year during their normal workday.
"The Employee Engagement Initiative demonstrates Reading Hospital's steadfast commitment to the community," said William M. Jennings, President and CEO of Reading Hospital. "This community has so many organizations that are providing important services to local residents, and we are proud to support their efforts in this way. Our employees are able to interact and meet new people, while also giving back to our community through service" he said.
Since the program's inception, hundreds of Reading Hospital employees have donated well over 1,000 volunteer hours to a wide range of organizations, including Nolde Forest, Berks Encore, Centro Hispano, American Red Cross, Animal Rescue League and Humane Society of Berks County. This year, volunteer activities include painting and gardening at a local elementary school, spring cleanup at the Humane Society, volunteering with children and teens at Easterseals Camp Lily, and serving as mentors for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Career Ready Lunch Mentorship program.
Community organizations express their appreciation for the assistance, and employees enjoy their time as well. "I loved volunteering at the Animal Rescue League with the cats and dogs," one employee said. "I got attached and I actually purchased a cat to take home for my family."
Organizations interested in learning more about partnerships with Reading Hospital for the Employee Engagement Initiative can email communitywellness@towerhealth.org.
Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 714-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS two years in a row. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.