May 3, 2021 – Southeast Georgia Health System
Volunteer Services recently announced Suzanne Palmer as the Brunswick Campus Volunteer of
the Year and Dennis Conlon as the Camden Campus Volunteer of the Year.
The awards were presented during National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, 2021.
Palmer, a retired Glynn County teacher of 31 years, began volunteering
in the Brunswick Campus Gift Shop in 2001. She was one of the first volunteers
to return when volunteer activities resumed after being suspended due
to the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.
“Suzanne not only assists customers in our Gift Shop, she takes very
good care of them,” says Peggy Tuten, president, Brunswick Campus
Volunteer Services. “Customers are made to feel extra welcome by
her warm and friendly manner while benefitting from her 20 plus years
of experience. She is very committed, rarely absent, and is always willing
to lend an extra hand to her fellow volunteers when needed.”
Palmer and her husband, Bob, have two sons and four grandchildren. In her
spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling and cheering on the
Georgia Bulldogs.
A long-time resident of Camden County, and a dentist for more than 42 years,
Conlon is very familiar with the Health System. After retiring from his
dental practice, Conlon wanted to stay busy while also giving back to
the community, so he decided to become a Health System volunteer.
“We were happy to welcome him to our volunteer program,” says
Deana Belcher, president, Camden Campus Volunteer Services. “He
started at the Guest Services desk in 2018, and in this short time, Dennis
has proven to be a reliable and supportive volunteer to our team members
and fellow volunteers. He stepped up to cover an additional shift when
another volunteer was out for an extended period of time, and he often
covers additional shifts when needed.”
Conlon also volunteers with the Humane Society of Camden County and is
a member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife, Pam, have one daughter
and two grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and reading.
Volunteer Services was suspended in March 2020 due to the pandemic. In
June 2020, the Health System’s volunteers began to slowly return
to service in various departments. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, between
March 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021, volunteers provided 7,413 hours of
service to the Health System, valued at more than $211,000.
More than 250 volunteers generously share their time and talents to assist
patients, visitors, and team members at the Southeast Georgia Health System
Brunswick and Camden campuses, as well as the Senior Care Centers in Brunswick
and St. Marys. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Kristin
Doll, CAVS, director, Volunteer Services, at 912-466-1071, or visit
Volunteer Services online.