NODA Program Vision
Dedicated to providing caring, bedside companionship for dying patients who are alone at the end of life.
Our Mission
Providence Health System continues the healing ministry of Jesus in the world of today, with special concern for those who are poor and vulnerable. Working with others in a spirit of loving service, we strive to meet the health needs of people as they journey through life.
A Little About NODA
NODA (No One Dies Alone) was founded in November, 2002 by Sandra Clark, CCRN, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon. The lonely death of one elderly patient led Sandra to conceive of a volunteer companion program for hospital patients who would otherwise die alone. The NODA program has won several awards and has inspired hospitals around the U.S. and beyond to create similar programs. We thank Sandra and Sacred Heart Medical Center for helping us create our own program for dying patients within Providence Health System in Alaska.
NODA Serves
Individuals in need are identified by a patient’s health care team. A NODA Compassionate Companion is then called upon to provide a reassuring presence at the bedside of the dying patient for as long as needed.
A Dignified Death
No one is born alone, and in the best of circumstances, no one dies alone. Yet sometimes, patients are alone when approaching death and have neither family nor close friends able to be continually present with them as they near the end of life. The NODA program was created to provide these individuals with the most valuable of human gifts-a dignified death.
Your Role as a Volunteer
There is no nursing experience or skills required. As a volunteer, you will assist in comfort-care measures as requested by the patient or directed by the nurse, such as:
• Holding the patient’s hand
• Playing soothing music
• Reading
• Fluffing pillows
• Adjusting bed covers
• Moistening the lips
• Massaging the hands or feet
• And being comfortable with silence
All the tools you’ll need to offer comfort to the patient will be provided to you.
How To Sign Up
Interested volunteers should be 18 years or older, and should contact the NODA Coordinator to begin the registration process. If you are not a Providence employee or an established Providence volunteer , you will need to attend the Providence Volunteer Orientation session in addition to the NODA volunteer training.
After your training, we ask that you be on our NODA volunteer schedule for a six month commitment, available (on call) an average of four 12-hour shifts a month. The on-call schedule will be arranged to fit your availability. When called to volunteer, we ask that you stay a minimum of two hours. NODA provides support at the following facilities: Providence Alaska Medical Center, Providence Extended Care Center, and Providence Horizon House .
Relying On Your Generosity
The No One Dies Alone program relies on charitable contributions. You may support our mission with a donation to the Providence Alaska Foundation at (907) 261-3600. Please specify that your donation is to go to the NODA program.
Direct contributions may be mailed to:
Providence Alaska Foundation-NODA Program
PO Box 196604
Anchorage, AK 99519-6604
For more information, please call the NODA Coordinator at (907) 743-2789.
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