Integris CREW cleans up

story and photo by Bobby Anderson, RN, Staff Writer

Trixie Davis, BSN, RN works in advanced endoscopy in the Integris Health System.
But you might also see her working at the zoo, painting houses for needy Oklahoma City residents, working a volunteer medical clinic or tidying up at a local elementary school.
That’s because Davis is a member of the Integris CREW, the health system’s employee volunteer corps.
Its mission is to improve the health of the people and communities the organization services through compassionate community outreach. (story continued below)

The CREW will provide an improved vehicle to tap into the vast employee resources needed for INTEGRIS Health’s participation in community events and projects.
The ICrew is the next iteration of what used to be the Baptist Brigade, which was a popular volunteer group inside the health system many years ago.
“I’m a firm believer in being a volunteer and helping the community out so I tried it a couple years ago and really liked it,” Davis said. “I found it very satisfying.”
That first outing for Davis was at the Oklahoma City Zoo. That day Integris volunteers helped prepare a zoo exhibit for new animals coming to OKC.
There was something about being around other Integris employees and uniting for a common cause outside of the hospital walls that really stuck with her.
Any Integris employee can become a member of the CREW. In fact, the hope is to have a huge response from staff members who have an interest in serving others in the community.
All that’s asked for is a commitment to the mission, and participation in at least one community project each year.
Employees will have the opportunity to volunteer their time working on Integris community outreach/wellness programs, community development and enhancement projects (OKC City Rescue Mission, United Way Day of Caring, Regional Food Bank, etc.) and other activities deemed appropriate in all Integris Health communities.
Last year, Independent Sector – a national organization focused on nonprofits and corporate giving programs, released its annual estimate of the value of volunteers.
Independent Sector announced that the latest value of a volunteer hour is $25.43 – up 3% from the previous year. That figure, estimated from data collected in 2018, shows the incredible contributions volunteers make to their communities and our country.
Currently, about 63 million Americans volunteer about 8 billion hours of their time, talent, and effort to improve and strengthen their communities.
With the new Value of Volunteer Time, these Americans are contributing approximately $203.4 billion to our nation through nonprofit organizations of all types.
“Volunteerism has been a driving force in the strength and power of our civil society since this country’s founding,” said Dan Cardinali, president and CEO of Independent Sector. “We know that giving of our time, talent, and effort transforms organizations, communities, and our nation, and also has profound effects on the individuals giving their time. The Value of Volunteer Time gives us just one concrete measure to illustrate the power of individuals to transform communities.”
Davis is celebrating her 18th month with Integris this month. She loves her job and she loves giving back. Put the two together and it’s a win-win scenario.
“I have a sense of community,” Davis said. “I’ve been very blessed in the ability to be a nurse and I feel it’s very important to reach out to those that need your help. That all stems from my childhood. People helped me when I was in need.”
“As Americans, we are remarkable,” said Greg Baldwin, CEO of VolunteerMatch. “In 2018, our generosity was greater than the profits of Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Google combined. The freedom to voluntarily associate with the people, groups, and causes we care about is what makes democracy possible, but exercising that freedom is what makes democracies great.”
Davis served in the Army National Guard and retired from the reserves 10 years ago after a 25-year career.
The reserves helped get her through nursing school. She feels compelled to give back.
She did just that when she was activated for medevac duties on May 3, 1999 after the highest wind speeds on record carved a path of destruction through Bridge Creek and Moore.
She met Gov. and Mrs. Keating as they toured the devastation.
“I get a sense of satisfaction in knowing I am helping my community and representing Integris in helping the community,” she said. “I have a strong belief we need to be involved in our community and help those in need.
“Love, learn and lead. You really truly can’t be a leader if you’re not doing what the motto says.”