Volunteer marks a milestone that’s as good as gold

On May 13, 1974, Richard Nixon was president, “All in the Family” was America’s favorite television show, gas cost 53 cents per gallon – and Doug LeMay began volunteering at the former Hospital of Saint Raphael (now Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus).

A lot of things have changed in 50 years – but LeMay remains a presence at 1450 Chapel St. His first volunteer positions were with Escort Messenger Services (an early version of patient transport) and the mail room, where he delivered packages every day. By the early ‘90s, LeMay had settled into the volunteer job in Pharmacy Services that he still holds. Tasked with organizing paperwork for the hospital in the days before computers, he created a system to catalogue pharmacy records related to narcotics and controlled substances to ensure all state and federal regulations are met. “It took me six months just to go through it all,” he said.

“Doug has been a part of our Pharmacy team since before most of us ever worked here!” said Mariel Pereda, YNHH associate director of Pharmacy Operations. “He has seen lots of changes during his time – new faces, new construction, new technology. But the one constant has been his meticulous dedication to his work.”

“Doug is truly a member of our family, and we are so glad that he chose us to be his home away from home,” said Eileen Hansen, senior manager, Volunteer Services.

After donating more than 90,000 hours – the first time a YNHH volunteer has achieved this milestone – LeMay, who lives in New Haven, has no plans to “retire” any time soon.

“This is where the good Lord sent me,” he said. “And I’m going to keep busy as long as I’m alive.”

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Yale New Haven Hospital