‘Richard of all trades:’ He’s happy to help

Published 5:06 am Tuesday, April 18, 2023

A life dedicated to helping others is no big deal to Richard Ott, 74.

Originally from Reno, Nevada, Ott moved to Southwest Louisiana at a young age. The area, and the people in it, nurtured him.

As a result, he made the decision to center his life around helping and supporting community members. “I am giving back to the community that has given much to me.”

For 36 years, he worked for the Department of Social Services for the State of Louisiana. For 21 of these years, he spearheaded recruitment and training.

He retired from his position with the State of Louisiana in 2009. Soon after, Ott joined the Auxiliary at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital on July 21, 2009.

He has packed an impressive amount of volunteer work into the last 14 years. He has racked up over 8,298 volunteer hours through the years. “If you calculated Richard’s 8,000 hours at $15.00 per hour, he would have invested $120,000 through volunteering,” said a representative from Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

“I know my time at Memorial has made a difference for patients and their families,” said Ott.

Ott is considered a “Richard of all Trades” at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, as he volunteers for a variety of roles. Three days a week, he works four hour shifts in the Blood Draw Station. He also works a shift in the gift shop once a week, and helps at the front lobby information desk on an as needed basis.

He also serves as an assistant to the director of auxiliary in special projects.

Ott is a leader in the auxiliary. After serving on the board of directors for a three-year term and as the auxiliary treasurer and auxiliary vice president for two year terms, he is now the president of the auxiliary.

He has also volunteered at Oak Park Food Pantry, Lake Area Animal Hospital and as a chair of the board of directors of the American Red Cross for six years.

For Ott, the meaning of altruism is simple. “Volunteerism means giving your time and talents to those in need,” he said. “It is something I have always enjoyed.”

Currently, Ott is one of 20 active volunteers with the auxiliary. This is a drop in participation. In honor of National Volunteer Week, Lake Charles Memorial is hoping to reach out to new volunteers. “Since COVID-19, many previous volunteers did not return,” said one representative. “We are starting to heavily recruit for volunteers as they are beginning to feel it is safe to return.”

The program offers six areas of volunteer support: front lobby information desk, gift shop assistance, patient rounding (visiting with patients and families), assisting with checking patients in the blood bank location, assisting with patients in the radiation oncology department and assisting in special projects.

Under the direction of Verl Wood, Memorial administrator, the auxiliary at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital was created on May 14, 1968, and was incorporated in 1972. The program operated under the Charter of the Southwest Louisiana Hospital Association.

Those interested in volunteering for the program should contact Volunteer Services at 337-494-3213.