MT. VERNON –  SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital is seeking volunteers to support the newly developed cuddler volunteer program. With guidance from nursing staff, volunteers will hold and cuddle Good Samaritan’s smallest patients while they grow and heal.

The cuddler volunteer program has been created to nurture infants who have experienced neonatal drug exposure as they go through the withdrawal process. The most intense withdrawals can last anywhere from 1-8 days. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and possess a professional and respectful demeanor. Volunteers will need to understand and respect confidentiality while exhibiting good people skills. The ideal candidate will have exceptional customer service skills and be able to take direction from leadership while being a role model for parents and families. The cuddler volunteer program welcomes volunteers with flexible schedules who are readily available as needed.

“We are excited to offer this new volunteer opportunity at Good Samaritan Hospital. We know healing is so much more than medicine. The cuddler volunteer program allows babies in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to experience love and comfort through human touch and interaction. Volunteers will provide a great need and environment for these infants to grow and thrive,” says Derek Shaw, Director of Volunteer Services and Guest Relations at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

Volunteers make a difference throughout SSM Health. We have volunteers working in patient-care areas and non-patient care area who make meaningful contributions to the lives of our patients and caregivers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit ssmhealth.com/volunteer and click “apply now.” For additional questions email derek.shaw@ssmhealth.com.