Compassionate companions: Learn about No One Dies Alone initiative
By Julianna McGahee | Staff writer
WellStar MCG Health has initiated a new volunteer program called “No One Dies Alone”. It is just as the name sounds, as this is a program that allows patients at the end of life to have a someone with them at bedside if no one else can be there for them.
“Patients will not be as fearful once they begin dying knowing that there will be somebody with them who cares,” said Stephen Hughes, associate director of spiritual care. “Families will take comfort in knowing if they are unable to arrive on time, that their loved one will not be alone and will be emotionally cared for.”
An individual’s end of life is a sacred time, and No One Dies Alone (NODA) strives to be a place of benevolence for patients and their families during such a time. NODA revolves around the idea that no one has to be alone, therefore the Department of Spiritual Care has come together as a team to make this happen. All of the individuals in this department as well as volunteers are vital to effectively move this program forward.
“NODA volunteers are called ‘Compassionate Companions’, who provide patients with dignity, respect and the assurance that they have not been abandoned during their end-of-life journey,” said Chaplain Linda Hamilton.
In being a Compassionate Companion, NODA volunteers can be a source of comfort and support for patients actively dying alone.
No One Dies Alone was founded by Sandra Clarke, a critical care nurse at Sacred Heart Medical Center in 2001. Around 14 years later, Clarke teamed up with others throughout Sacred Heart to bring No One Dies Alone into action. NODA has won several awards and continues to inspire hospitals around the world to invest in similar programs.
“We thank Sandra for her vision, compassion, and commitment,” said Hughes.
NODA became a vision when an on-call chaplain’s brother passed away alone in another state. In 2020, NODA was brought to the attention of the Department of Spiritual Care, but due to COVID the implementation of this it was delayed. As the years have gone on, the department has now been able to come together as a team to commence this initiative.
“As a director, NODA is a very meaningful program that touches the lives of patients who have no one with them at the end of life,” said Henry Holt III, director of Spiritual Care. “A program such as this has been instrumental in connecting to patients during these sacred moments.”
Individuals who have an interest in signing up for NODA should be those who have a heart for people, particularly dying people without family or friends. NODA is a wonderful place for individuals that want people to have a meaningful end of life experience.
If you are interested in volunteering, please call Henry Holt III, Stephen Hughes or Linda Chaplain in the Department of Spiritual Care at 706-721-2929 for more information.
It is never too late to become a Compassionate Companion.
Contact Julianna McGahee at @augusta.edu.
