Volunteer Corner
Angela DeAlbuquerque:
"I appreciate the staff and volunteers in the Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic and what they are doing for our community and for those who may be unfamiliar with health care and self care. With so many cultural challenges, assisting them to navigate their care and offer emotional support is beyond rewarding."
When I retired, I wanted to continue to ‘give back’ in some way as I had throughout my professional career.
When I was employed at DH, I was involved in volunteer work, from flu shot clinics, cholesterol screening clinics, blood pressure clinics as well as overseeing the Heart-to-Heart Volunteer group in the Heart Institute for 8 years. If there was a hospital fund-raiser, I wanted to be involved.
About a year after I retired, I remembered feedback I had heard about the ‘Free Clinic’, but I didn’t even know where it was in the hospital or what they did. I called there and was able to speak to Pat H, who informed of the work they do for those in need in our community. I signed right up!
Since then, I have enjoyed the time I have spent with the most wonderful people. From the volunteer doctors and specialists to the Nurse Practitioners and nurses, as well as the support staff and the patients themselves, everyone is upbeat, positive, kind and humble. When I leave my shift, there is a satisfaction that care has been offered and shared with those in need. My heart is full. I am honored to be a part of such a cause.
Kennedy Darling:
Since joining the Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic, I have witnessed fascinating life narratives from Bucks County’s Latino community and gained invaluable exposure to primary care that I will take with me to medical school next fall.
After studying abroad in college and experiencing the challenge of navigating life in a second language, I realized I wanted to use my proficiency in Spanish and eventual career in medicine to give back to underserved immigrant populations in the US.
With this goal in mind, I began volunteering as a Spanish interpreter with the Anne Silverman Clinic during my gap year between undergraduate and medical school.
Adriana Muth:
Adriana likes helping people who don’t speak any English.
The patients arrive at our Clinic fearful of being understood, and Adriana sees it in their faces. When they realize that she is there to translate, they immediately relax. “It is such a good feeling for both of us,” she says.
Adriana Muth became a volunteer interpreter for the Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic in May of this year. She retired from Southern Lehigh School District last fall where she was an Instructional Assistant for the district’s Spanish Immersion Program for 21 years.
Adriana is originally from Mexico and moved here to be with her husband 32 years ago. They have three grown children, two girls and a boy. The whole family is bilingual!
Adriana hopes to become a certified interpreter one day. She says that the time at the Clinic will help fulfill that dream.
