Lifeline Volunteers Recognized for Helping Seniors Live at Home with Dignity and Pride

Published: Friday, June 16, 2017

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Lifeline, an affiliate of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), recently recognized volunteers who work with the emergency response system during a luncheon at Lake Lanier Island’s Legacy Lodge Resort & Conference Center. Volunteers were honored for their service and commitment to preserving the dignity of the physically disabled, medically at-risk and senior adults in our community.

Special guests from NGMC included John Turner, vice president of Acute Care Services; Scott Masters, director of Emergency Medical Transport, White County EMS and Lifeline; Lynne Allen, director of Volunteer Services; Lajuania Lester, manager of Volunteer Services, NGMC Braselton; Carol Price, vice president of The Medical Center Auxiliary, NGMC Braselton; Sunita Singh, manager of Public Relations and Auxiliary, NGMC Barrow; Brian Carswell, Braselton Pastoral Care; Lorena Collins, Lifeline subscriber and spokesperson; Gail Lane Seabolt, director of Hall County 911; Marcia Davidson, Philips Lifeline accounts manager; Robbie Morgan, media specialist; and Dianne Appling, Lifeline coordinator. Each special guest personally thanked the volunteers for their dedication, passion and vision to our community.

Sue Holliman was among the Lifeline subscribers featured at the luncheon. Joined by her daughter, she spoke about how independent Lifeline allows her to be.  

“I have a nickname for my GoSafe Mobile Help Button – I call it my best friend,” said Holliman. “I chose this name because your best friend is always there when you need them, and so is my wonderful Lifeline!”

John Turner, vice president of Acute Care Services at NGMC, spoke passionately about how he is inspired by all volunteers who dedicate their time to the program.

“Volunteers have a profound effect on everyone, including patients and employees,” said Turner. “They are trusted by the staff and have an innate ability to work with anyone, while providing exceptional care – with a smile.”  

Medical Center Auxiliary volunteers Mr. and Mrs. Jim Telford founded Lifeline of Northeast Georgia Medical Center 33 years ago.  The two formed and co-chaired a committee to research emergency response systems. The first unit was installed by Catherine Telford for Ms. Ocie Pope, founder of the Hall School of Nursing, on September 18, 1984.

During the course of three decades, Lifeline volunteers have installed 2,883 units, driven more than 1 million miles and given more than 42,242 volunteer hours – allowing subscribers to continue living independently, in their homes, with the security of knowing they can quickly access help if they need it.

“The Lifeline volunteers are the heart of the program,” said Dianne Appling, Lifeline coordinator. “It is an honor to stand behind the wealth of knowledge, compassion and commitment each one of you display.  I wish to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers, and all of you in the organization, for your support these past 33 years.”

One of Lifeline’s longest tenured volunteers, Mr. Ed Helton, spoke at the end of the program. Helton spoke on his past, and how it shaped him to be the best volunteer he could be. When he was done speaking, he received a standing ovation from the crowd.

For more information about the Lifeline program, new wireless equipment or to request information about how to become a volunteer, call 770-219-8899.  Lifeline serves subscribers in Hall, White, Lumpkin, Dawson, Forsyth, Stephens, Rabun, Towns, Union, Banks, Jackson, Habersham and Barrow Counties.

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ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM

Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is a non-profit on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do.  Our team cares for more than 800,000 people across the region through three hospitals and a variety of outpatient locations.  Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has three hospital campuses – NGMC Gainesville, NGMC Braselton and NGMC Barrow – with a total of 713 beds and medical staff members representing more than 50 specialties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.