Chelsey Caldwell

I was able to visit my chosen volunteer space with Norman Regional and help the staff with various tasks, including checking up on patients, escorting visitors and cleaning empty rooms.

My partner and I were able to visit Griffin Memorial where we interacted with a consumer and accompanied her while participating in arts and crafts. Getting to know her and her story, while also telling her about our own experiences.

I was able to bond with siblings and make bracelets for pediatric patients. I tried to make them resemble the color palettes and names of popular Disney characters. A great way to inspire hope, which was fun.

I was able to visit The Mission and learn about how they help people. I also had the opportunity to help community members shop for their household grocery items and restock/reorganize things on the shelves and in the fridges. I look forward to returning.

I was able to help in the Emergency Unit again, this was a slow day so not much was going on. I was able to get to know the staff more and received a little education on calls coming in from Ambulatory vehicles and the protocols for prepping a room for those.

I was able to help get rooms ready for new patients and deliver warm towels to patients in the ER. Restocking the medicinal cabinets, etc.

I was able to meet with my consumer and play games, we are able to casually chat about things and he was very open and it felt nice to provide a comfortable space for him to share personal details despite the situations he's dealing with.

For today, I had the opportunity to visit GMH and observe and interact for small group time. I enjoyed being able to mingle with two new consumers and talk about being in college, as well as the steps to get there. We also spoke about how mental health companionship has evolved.

I was able to receive a tour of the Norman Regional Nine Emergency Department and help them restock the rooms and strip bed linens. I also had the chance to get to know one of the physicians and a nurse on the floor.