President George W. Bush will meet Mary Lynn Roberson upon arrival in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Monday, January 26, 2004. Roberson has been an active volunteer at Baptist Health Medical Center since 1975.

Later this month, the USA Freedom Corps – President Bush’s initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation – will celebrate its second anniversary. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like Roberson, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Roberson, an Arkansas native, volunteers every Wednesday in the surgery unit waiting room at Baptist Health Medical Center, visiting with friends and family members of patients and answering any questions they may have about hospital services or a patient’s status. Serving as a liaison between doctors and nurses within the surgery unit and families in the waiting room, Roberson helps families stay informed about a patient’s progress before, during and after surgery. She also frequently takes patients to the pre-operation area and brings family members in to visit with patients before surgery. For the past seven years, Roberson has also volunteered one day each week with Arkansas Health Care Access Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides donated or low-cost medical care to low-income and uninsured residents. Roberson screens forms submitted by Arkansas residents who hope to receive medical care through this organization and ensures that all of the paperwork is completed properly.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to volunteer service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion around the world. Interested volunteers can find opportunities in their own neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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