Stroke Support Association’s Hospital Visitors Program: Volunteer Lunch Recap

1.27.26
Animated friends gathered around a table enjoying a meal

On January 20, 2026, volunteers from Stroke Support Association’s Hospital Visitors Program—Fran Valenzuela, Tim Price, and Ali Parker—joined facilitator and Board President Gretchen Phillips for a working lunch at Taboons Mediterranean Restaurant in Long Beach, CA.

What is SSA’s Hospital Visitors Program?

The Hospital Visitors Program is made up of trained volunteers from SSA’s stroke survivors support group. These volunteers visit new stroke patients at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, offering support, encouragement, and a sense of community during a challenging time.

Guidelines for New Volunteers

During our lunch, we discussed the importance of clear guidelines for new volunteers. The group agreed that anyone interested in volunteering should consistently attend our support groups for at least one year before being considered. With input from Ali and Tim, Gretchen and Fran will draft these guidelines to ensure a smooth onboarding process.

Recruitment Efforts

We brainstormed potential new volunteers from our current support group members. Ali will reach out to a few individuals who may be interested in joining the Hospital Visitors team.

Volunteer Perks

Gretchen reminded everyone that volunteers will be reimbursed for parking at local hospitals and may also receive a complimentary lunch from the hospital cafeteria.

Program Insights & Expansion

Volunteers shared their experiences visiting patients at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, noting that about 85% of stroke patients are receptive to visits from our team.

Ali expressed gratitude for the hospital professionals who help our program run smoothly.

We also discussed expanding the program to other local hospitals, such as St. Mary Medical Center and Los Alamitos. While distance will be a barrier for some volunteers, the team was enthusiastic for future growth as our volunteer base becomes more robust.
 
—Gretchen Phillips, Board President

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