Volunteer Spotlight – Debbie Blanton
Life has come full circle for Debbie Blanton. She worked at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in 1986 as the Wellness Coordinator for Total Life Center where she coordinated the Corporate Challenge with community businesses and industries to promote fitness, competition, and fellowship. Now she’s working at Phoebe as a volunteer.
Debbie is an uplifting spirit to Phoebe employees and patients as she delivers the morning newspapers around the hospital and works in the Cancer Center Boutique. The Cancer Center Boutique provides resources such as hats, outfits, and wigs to our patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.
“The best thing about volunteering is helping people feel better when they are dealing with difficult health issues,” said Debbie. “Talking with patients and listening to their cancer journey means a lot. They are a true example of strength.”
Taking care of people is a common theme that runs through Debbie’s volunteerism and career. She continued that theme in 1992 as Executive Director for the Albany Chapter of American Red Cross. She led the organization through the Flood of 1994 when our area was severely impacted. She then worked as Volunteer Coordinator at the United Way of Southwest Georgia. During her tenure, she initiated a non-profit organization, Christmas in April, whose mission was to repair homes for the elderly. They were able to repair over 200 homes during her time. She also served as Assistant Director and retired as Executive Director at the SOWEGA Council on Aging (2001-2018). There her main focus was helping senior citizens with Medicare issues.
Debbie was married to the late Joe Blanton for 29 ½ years and together they have a family of five sons and 10 grandchildren. In her spare time, Debbie enjoys gardening and spending time with her family and friends. Her future plans include more traveling with her sister.
She’s also an advocate for Volunteer Services – inviting and encouraging others to join her on what she references to as ‘a wonderful adventure’ with Phoebe Volunteer Services.