giving back
WHEREVER HELP IS NEEDED
JON SONTZ
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
The last thing Jon Sontz would want to be called is a “ big man on campus .” Sontz , who refers to himself as a “ mostly retired ” attorney , is uncomfortable in the spotlight , and quick toshift attention from his efforts tothose of others . But atour of the sprawling facility with him reveals how well-known he has become among staff over seven years , and how many ways he helps keep the hospital operating smoothly .
Sontz , who volunteers at HUMC three hours every Wednesday morning from late September to June ( he helps out at affiliated Jersey Shore Medical Center during the summer ), lends ahand in multiple departments . Upon arrival , he signs inatthe hospital ’ svolunteer office and resets the computer ifit ’ snot working . Next , he goes tothe same-day surgery center , where he assembles discharge folders for as many as 85 patients ; this step takes up to two hours to complete . Then he moves on to courier work , filling requests from units for
JON SONTZ ( RIGHT ) WITH TRANSPORTATION AIDE JOSE UBEN
blood from the blood bank . Ifthe volunteer office receives a call from the cancer infusion floors for an extra hand , he helps fill acart with soup , sandwiches and snacks and offers lunch to patients being treated there .
Besides these weekly commitments , Sontz , who lives in Wallington , also serves on the medical center ’ sPatient and Family Advisory Council . Inthis role , heshares his time and perspective on how to improve the hospital experience . He also shares feedback he gets from patients treated in the new Helena Theurer Pavilion . “ Many people find hospitals to be scary places , and confusing , because they are so large ,” says Rebecca Kaiser , director , patient of patient experience at Hackensack Meridian Health . “ Jonathan offers afriendly face and alistening ear … especially to those who are lonely , anxious , orfacing difficult diagnoses .”
“ It ’ sfulfilling ,” Sontz counters ,“ the only thing I ’ ve ever done that Iget more out of than Iput in .”
PROVIDED BY HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
18 2024 EDITION ( 201 ) HEALTH