Hospitals name 2019 Volunteers of the Year

Posted 8/6/20

Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children's Hospital recently named their 2019 Volunteers of the Year, an honor typically bestowed at an annual volunteer breakfast, but done with a creative twist this year, due to COVID-19. The 2019 Volunteers of the

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Hospitals name 2019 Volunteers of the Year

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Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children’s Hospital recently named their 2019 Volunteers of the Year, an honor typically bestowed at an annual volunteer breakfast, but done with a creative twist this year, due to COVID-19.

The 2019 Volunteers of the Year were Cranston resident Alex Richard for Rhode Island Hospital and Johnston resident David DiNobile for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Both Richard and DiNobile received their awards in surprise ceremonies held outdoors utilizing social distancing.

“Volunteers work throughout the organization and contribute countless hours we could not replace, and they add a spirit to the place that is really very special,” said Rhode Island Hospital President John B. Murphy, M.D. “The volunteer program is one of our most important resources because of people like Alex and David who donate their time assisting our staff and visitors. I am grateful for their contributions and those of our volunteers at large, as they have a significant positive impact on the culture of our organization.”

Richard was asked to report to the volunteer office at the hospital for an assignment, where he was escorted to a surprise sidewalk ceremony and presented a plaque by Dr. Murphy. A Bishop Hendricken graduate and recent graduate of University of Notre Dame, Richard will begin medical school in the fall at University of Massachusetts. He began volunteering four years ago as a high school student and has contributed nearly 1500 hours, primarily in the adult emergency department where he staffs the family assistance desk.

DiNobile was surprised by a group of Volunteer Services staff at his home in Johnston, aided by his wife Diane D. DiNobile, who gathered friends and family on their lawn, and several more by video conference, for the presentation. DiNobile, a retired North Providence firefighter, has volunteered more than 1300 hours over 9 years. He primarily serves as an ambassador at the Hasbro entrance, but has gladly filled in wherever he is needed.

“Both these honorees demonstrate the best of our volunteers, going above and beyond,” said Adrianne Walsh, manager of volunteer services. “They are a friendly face to our patients, and a tremendous support to our staff. We’re incredibly proud of Alex, moving on to medical school, and so grateful to David who has sought out this special way to continue his lifelong ethic of helping people, in his retirement.”

In 2019, 614 volunteers contributed more than 38,000 hours to Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Founded in 1863, Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, R.I., is a 719-bed private, not-for-profit hospital and is the principal teaching hospital of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. A major trauma center for southeastern New England, the hospital is dedicated to being on the cutting edge of medicine and research. It is home to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, the state’s only facility dedicated to pediatric care. Last year, Rhode Island Hospital received nearly $60 million in external research funding. For more information on Rhode Island Hospital, visit rhodeislandhospital.org, follow us on Twitter @RIHospital or like us on Facebook.

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