L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital is opening its doors to more than just patients these days.

For the first time, the hospital has invited 20 students to participate in the Teen Volunteer Program.

Students in the 9th through 12th grades were eligible to participate and will have the opportunity to learn more about the healthcare environment, according to Community Outreach Director Linda Holley.

“It’s just a way for us to help the community and the seniors have so many volunteer hours at the high schools,” Holley said.

“It gives them a chance to see if they want to be in the healthcare field.”

Students were allowed to request specific departments in the hospital to volunteer in.

“They can assist a patient in taking them to a car or taking a patient to the x-ray, but they cannot do it by themselves,” Holley said.

The program began May 29 and will be end in early August.

Holley said the hope is to allow the students to volunteer between 40 and 80 hours over the summer.

At the end of the summer, the students will receive certificates for his or her service.

“The kids should be able to get a feel for the healthcare setting and see what it’s like and if they’re interested in the healthcare field,” Holley said.