During the COVID-19 pandemic, doors have been closed all over the world.
But for College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University student volunteers in the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at St. Cloud (Minnesota) Hospital, doors have also been opened – both in-person and remotely.
“We’ve piloted and expanded the HELP program and are launching a new course to support this program and tie its opportunities to classroom learning,” said Chris Bolin, visiting assistant professor of English at CSB and SJU.
During fall semester, five CSB and SJU volunteers connected (both on-site and remotely) with patients admitted to St. Cloud Hospital to explore creative writing and have stimulating conversations to prevent the onset of delirium in at-risk patients. During spring semester (B block), the number of CSB and SJU volunteers will swell to 25.