HARPER, Maryland County — Volunteer nurses at the Nursing and Midwifery Department of JJ Dossen Referral Hospital on Wednesday, April 1 received 100 bags of rice and two bales of scrubs in a gesture aimed at appreciating their service to the health sector.
By Peter P. Toe, Jr.
The presentation was made at the hospital’s Palava Hut by Maryland County District #1 Representative P. Mike Jury, who said the donation followed discussions he held with the hospital administration regarding the welfare of volunteer nurses and midwives.
“In January the first rice was delivered. I had a meeting with the hospital administration, and they talked about the nurses and midwives,” Rep. Jury said.
He further disclosed that nearly half of the nurses at the hospital are volunteers, prompting his decision to extend additional support.
“I also learn that 50% of the nurses here are not on salary. They are volunteers. So in order to appreciate your efforts, I have come to present 100 bags of rice to the volunteer nurses here at this hospital. I’m grateful for the work you do in our district and I really appreciate you,” he added.
Receiving the donation, Charles Jarsor, JJ Dossen Referral Hospital’s Nursing and Midwifery Department thanked the lawmaker on behalf of the department.
“On behalf of the Department of Nursing and Midwifery and all who are in this department, we would like to say a very big thank you to you. The scrubs are authentic, and our staff will use them,” Jarsor said.
He noted that rice remains Liberia’s staple food and emphasized that the donation would help volunteer nurses who continue to provide essential services.
“In Liberia our staple food is rice. This is not first of its kind supporting this department in the delivery of affordable and efficient services. What we pray for is to be placed on Government payroll and we know as time goes by, things will improve for us,” he added.
Among the beneficiaries was Jacob Griffiths, who shared his experience as a long-serving volunteer.
“I’m a professional nurse, not just a professional nurse, but a senior nurse, I am a worker of this place but not yet placed on payroll. I’ve been volunteering for 5 years now,” Griffiths said.
Despite working without salary for years, Griffiths and other volunteer nurses continue to serve patients daily. For them, the rice and scrubs were more than a donation — they were a sign that their sacrifices are being recognized.
