Summer 2008

A Most Valuable Player

Volunteer's Work at AAMC Outreach Center Dental Clinic Lauded

AAMCvolunteer Suzanne Herr was recognized by Leadership Anne Arundel for her work at the AAMC Outreach Center Dental Clinic.

LEADERSHIP ANNE ARUNDEL has recognized Suzanne Herr, an Anne Arundel Medical Center volunteer, with a 2008 Community Trustee Award for her outstanding service to the community. Ms. Herr routinely lends her time, energy, and passion to the AAMC Annapolis Outreach Center Dental Clinic, the AAMC Emergency Department, and the AAMC Volunteer Services Department.

“Volunteering to me is all about the people and the participation,” said Ms. Herr. “I’m fortunate to be able to work with a number of extraordinary people who truly enjoy giving back. The opportunity to work with so many talented people with so many different skills is a gift.”

Located in the Stanton Community Center on West Washington Street in Annapolis, the AAMC Annapolis Outreach Center Dental Clinic is a vital community resource, serving hundreds of patients annually. Research has established connectors between poor dental health and diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes, yet many families go without proper dental care because of insufficient resources to pay for such care.

The only full dental clinic of its kind in Maryland, the AAMC Annapolis Outreach Center Dental Clinic operates through the work of volunteers such as Ms. Herr. The only volunteer to work both days of the week the clinic is open —Wednesdays and Fridays—Ms. Herr has been described by her co-workers as the “glue” that keeps the clinic operating efficiently.

“Suzanne orients the rotating dentists, hygienists and volunteers, while also coordinating patient care,” said Neil Sullican, D.M.D., the dental clinic’s medical director. “She is invaluable to us meeting the objectives of the free clinic.”

AAMC volunteers and auxilians, in their signature blue jackets, enhance the AAMC patient experience. To learn more about how to become a volunteer, or more about the AAMC Annapolis Outreach Center Dental Clinic and AAMC’s commitment to providing services to all in need, call 443-481-4800 or visit www.aahs.org and click on “Volunteering at AAMC.”

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