Longtime LMH Health volunteer embodies commitment to caring

The LMH Health Volunteers, formally known as the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, was founded in 1957 by 40 women and provided the hospital with ten services. Over the last 66 years, the program has expanded its services and grown to include volunteers such as Lew Nolan.

Lew Nolan

Prior to COVID, the volunteer program had 821 active volunteers in 2019 who contributed nearly 62,000 hours in 54 different departments of the organization. In March 2020, the program closed for almost 12 months due to the pandemic. In early 2021, volunteers began assisting with the community vaccination clinics. By February 2021, volunteers had returned to the main campus and by March, they had started working at the new West Campus building. So far in 2022, 254 volunteers have given nearly 17,500 hours to LMH Health, helping in 28 different departments.

Lew Nolan has provided over 5,000 hours of service since 1993. To the staff and patients, Lew is not just a volunteer, he is a cornerstone at LMH Health.

When he moved to Lawrence, it was important to Lew to find a way to be an active participant in his new community. He first volunteered at the hospital in 1993 after seeing an article in the newspaper about an LMH Health volunteer.

“I just wanted to be a good neighbor,” said Lew. “No matter where or in what community you are, you need a team. The hospital was a great fit because you are helping people right as soon as they enter.”

Originally from New Jersey, Lew’s career in finance brought him to Kansas. He likes to describe himself as a man who enjoys his work and golf, when the weather permits.

However, Lew was not always just a volunteer at LMH Health. In the past, LMH staff and volunteers were allowed to hold dual roles - working at the hospital and volunteering in their free time. Before the new rule was created, Lew held two positions at LMH.

“I started in admissions and eventually worked my way up to supervisor,” said Lew. “I also worked as a sterilizing tech in surgery before retiring.”

Throughout his many retirements from his career in finance and from the hospital, Lew has continued to volunteer on Saturdays to continue helping his community.

“I can’t remember a time in my career, with the exception of COVID, without Lew,” said Lauren Cobb, volunteer services manager.

Over the last 30 years, Lew has been one of the first faces a patient sees as they walk in. He spends much of his time at the information desk or as a wayfinder, helping patients into the building and to their destination.

“Someone once said, ‘There is the right way to do something and then there is the Lew way’,” said Cobb. “He does everything to his fullest ability.”

Each position allows him to connect with his community and hospital staff. LMH staff have described him as a natural helper who is always looking for a way to make someone’s day better.

“He is very committed to what he does,” said Cobb. “He is a great model for keeping your head on a swivel and being attentive to everyone who walks in the door.”

Lew’s approach to volunteering has allowed him to step up and be an example of LMH’s “patient first” motto. Throughout his time with the hospital, his keen attention to detail has allowed him to identify potential risks and escort patients to their final destination in a timely matter.

In the late 90’s during Christmas, Lew noticed a frantic couple looking around bewildered. They had followed the hospital signs off of I-70 with their loved one who was suffering from a heart condition. Lew helped to notify the emergency department and escort the patient’s family to their destination.

“It’s just times like that you remember,” said Lew. “You just do all these different things through the year that make you think, ‘what would have happened if I wasn’t there?’”

Throughout his time with LMH, Lew has been nominated for and received multiple awards. His most notable include receiving the Elizabeth Watkins Community Volunteer Award in 2012 and the Marguerite Lockwood Volunteer of the Year Award in 2014. He will receive a pin marking 30 years of service in April 2023.

“He has been a stable component in our program,” said Cobb. “He is a great leader and works great with everyone.”

What it takes to be a volunteer

Being a volunteer does not require one to have a background in healthcare. LMH Health volunteers include retirees, full-time workers, stay-at-home parents, students and individuals looking for an opportunity to serve their community. It does however require the following:

• At least 18 years of age; the age limit for some positions may be higher.
• The physical and mental capacity to perform the required tasks independently and with a high level of accuracy.
• Fluent in reading, writing and speaking English.

“If you are interested in giving your time, this is a great place to start,” said Cobb. “You can do really small things and still make a large impact.”

To learn more about volunteering, please contact Lauren Cobb at Lauren.Cobb@LMH.ORG or visit LMH.org/volunteer.