Physicians CareConnection to Recognize Volunteers who Stepped Up During the Pandemic
The annual volunteer appreciation dinner hosted by Physicians CareConnection used to be a relatively small one that fit the confines of a Columbus restaurant.
But now it’s been three years since the organization has been able to properly thank its volunteers – and some pretty serious work that has been done in that time.
“These people stepped up during the pandemic,” said Isi Ikharebha Green, the president of PCC. “When other clinics were closing, they were calling us and asking how they could get involved.”
While Covid-19 permanently shuttered other medical facilities that served the most vulnerable people in the community, the Physicians CareConnection clinic spent less than three months out of action.
“And the only reason we took that long is because we had to come up with a way to do it safely,” Isi said.
On April 20, the organization will be hosting the 27th Annual Physicians CareConnection Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at The Grange Insurance Center at Scioto Audubon Park to recognize everyone who stepped up to help cover those difficult times.
“We asked them to volunteer in a free clinic during a pandemic and they did. No hesitation,” Isi said. “We want to make people aware of what they’ve done.”
Dr. Ed Tappel is one of the volunteer providers being honored by PCC.
Dr. Ed Tappel spent 30 years practicing family medicine in Marietta, OH, before relocating to Columbus in 2019. “Dr. T” – as he signs his e-mails – had a longstanding history of volunteering his medical services to the Marietta community, and upon his arrival in central Ohio, kept that going by donating his time to Physicians CareConnection’s clinic.
“My first formal clinical volunteering opened my eyes to some of the hidden needs around me,” he said. “My inspiration and motivation come from our patients and the care team around me.”
Dr. Tappel will be one of the physicians and volunteers honored at the event after the PCC staff and leadership selected him as an “Outstanding Volunteer Physician.”
“This recognition encourages me to continue sharing my blessings and hopefully lead by the example of ‘paying forward,’” he said. “Those around us and with whom we interact notice what we do and how we behave, and their gratitude is uplifting.”
Due to the pandemic, the last volunteer appreciation event was held in 2019, meaning nearly 30 volunteers will be honored for the three years of time that has passed.
The event will feature a catered meal, live music, and ABC 6 news anchor Bob Kendrick serving as the emcee.
“As the awards have grown, as we’ve grown, it’s become a big event,” Isi said. “It’s important for us to say thank you!”
Physicians CareConnection, an affiliate of the Columbus Medical Association, is a volunteer-based charitable organization that helps coordinate care for vulnerable adults in Central Ohio. PCC serves any person who has healthcare challenges due to individual barriers across a seven-county area that includes Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Union and Madison counties. Visit pcchealth.org to learn more.