Elizabeth Price, RN, BSN, OCN, has a grand vision for Montgomery Cancer Center Selma, where she is nurse manager of the staff.

Her vision consists of a well-planned and smooth-running volunteer program in place by Jan. 1, 2005. She hopes to have at least 20 volunteers in place and at least six church, school or other kinds of groups in place by that date.

Price has been with the Selma center since its founding. The clinic has a staff of 12 plus two physicians.

Over the past several months it has become absolutely clear to Price and her staff that a strong volunteer program is needed for the Selma center to meet the needs of its patients. The parent group, Montgomery Cancer Center, has

had a volunteer program for five years and has 75 volunteers.

Price’s strategy is to get the word out over the next six months before startup of the volunteer program the great need for it and the fact that all volunteers are welcome – without regard to race, creed or any other distinction. She describes it as “an interfaith effort.”

Particular duties offered through the volunteer program are to assist:

with paperwork for indigents’ medicines;

with setting up and performing pastoral visits; with hospitality measures for patients and their guests; with clerical duties including filing, typing, etc.; staff by taking specimens, X-rays and paperwork to the hospital; and providing fellowship to patients while they undergo treatment.

Also, Price wants the public to be aware of the Montgomery Cancer Wellness Foundation which provides financial assistance to patients for transportation and other needs such as paying utility bills.

“We receive some donations when patients die,” she said. “But we could use a lot more than what is coming in. We believe if people knew of the existence of the fund and its purposes, there are many who would want to support it. When a family has a cancer patient there are many needs and these funds sometimes make the difference.”

Price noted that no patient seeking treatment is turned away because of financial inability and these expenses have to be met by the center.

“Also, any donations given in Selma stay in Selma,” she added. “Even though the foundation is based in Montgomery, funds given here stay here.”

Price will also be seeking a “Faith in Action” grant, the major purpose of which would be to hire a volunteer coordinator to be in place by Jan. 1.

The Selma center offers cancer treatment – both radiation and chemotherapy – to patients.

“We hope potential volunteers will be calling right away,” she said. “This is a good time, with school out and people having a bit more time on their hands. We’re especially interested in reaching church youth groups, school groups and other organizations with members who would like to volunteer.”

“Prospective volunteers should call me,” she said, “get an application, fill it out and turn it back into me. It’s important to have a volunteer base as we make application for the grant to fund the position of volunteer coordinator.”

“We also plan,” she said, “to form a task force force to match volunteers and groups of volunteers with patients and families who need assistance.”

“We’re hoping that youth groups and others could assist patients both inside their homes and outside after the program gets launched. The patients and their families have so many needs.”

“We want everybody to help,” she said. “No one will be excluded. People will be able to give as much or as little time as they wish, and will be able to choose those things they like to do.

“The staff at Montgomery Cancer Center Selma prides itself on providing ‘world-class’ care here in Selma,” she said. “But more important, the staff is known for providing care with compassion and an upbeat attitude, in a family-like atmosphere.”

Applications may be

picked up at the office at 1023 Medical Center Parkway, Ste. 110, in the Medical Towers Building, or by calling (334) 872-9300. Price is coordinating the volunteer program and will be happy to answer any questions about becoming a volunteer.

Tax-deductible gifts may be made directly to the Montgomery Wellness Foundation, 4145 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106. Donor cards are available at the office. Checks sent should be made clear that funds are to be credited to the Selma office.