By Gary Rotto
LA MESA, California — Providing health care is more than delivering professional services. I remember during high school that many of my friends were candy stripers, helping out with a friendly smile and greeting visitors to the hospital. We see stories about doctors and other medical professionals helping out at large- scale disasters, but we also know of many who help on a regular basis locally.
Grossmont Healthcare District, formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital, decided five years ago to begin to recognize the valuable role that key volunteers play in medical and social service care. So Healthcare Hero Awards program was created under the guidance of CEO Barry Jantz; the late Dr. John W. “Jack” Hardebeck, who was then board president, and the Public Relations & Outreach Committee consisting of now former Board Member Bob Yarris and current Member Gloria Chadwick. According to current board president Debbie McElravy, the award “recognizes and rewards front-line volunteers, caregivers and other individuals who help advance the delivery of health care and improve the quality of life for East County residents”.
While longevity isn’t a criterion for receiving an award, the work of Ruth Anfangar stands out as she completes 40 years as a volunteer for Jewish Family Service of San Diego. She uses her own car and purchases her own gas and has driven an estimated 40,000 miles on behalf of the JFS Foodmobile program. Foodmobile is an essential program to allow many isolated but high functioning elderly as well as younger disabled adults to remain in their own homes and retain their independence.
Volunteers not only deliver a kosher meal but also check on the safety and welfare of each person. While on a tour of the Foodmobile program a few years ago, I was informed that for many recipients of the meal, the visit by a JFS volunteer is the only contact that they have with another person. So the program also provides a vital contact to the outside world. According to the health care district information, Ruth started as a volunteer in 1971 when a friend asked her if she would be interested in doing it. Nearly every Monday, except for an occasional vacation day and at the time of her husband’s death, Ruth has been delivering “warm meals with a warm smile,” which is the Foodmobile motto.
Jewish Family Service data shows that about 250,000 meals have been delivered since the inception of the program in 1971. In 2010, 45 JFSSD volunteers distributed more than 24,000 meals to 250 people.
At the recent award ceremony and lunch at the Sycuan Resort, program emcee Dave Scott asked what the most requested meal is. “It’s not chicken,” Anfangar replied. “As long as you’re there, that’s what counts,” responded Scott.
I’m sure that’s the sentiment of the 250 people who benefit from the volunteers with the JFS Foodmobile.
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Rotto is a freelance writer based in San Diego. He may be contacted at gary.rotto@sdjewishworld.com