By LINDA CHION KENNEY
linda@observernews.net
Even before its grand opening almost two years ago, AdventHealth Riverview officials made it a point to build “intentional connections” for community enrichment, as evident this month at the well-attended Back 2 School Bash at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover.
There, in an Aug. 1 break from handing out car shades, rulers, erasers and more, Bo Sun talked about the hospital’s mission to support community organizations and nonprofits, with such things as eggs, backpacks, transportation, medical supplies, meals and volunteer hours.
These students are receiving supplies at the Back 2 School Bash, from AdventHealth Riverview volunteers.
“It’s our mission to extend our human ministry beyond the four walls of the hospital,” said Sun, who manages AdventHealth Riverview volunteer services, answering to Jordan Smith, the hospital’s chief operating officer, and his boss, Jason Newmyer, the hospital’s chief executive officer.
“Our leadership is very vocal and very engaged with our community and our nonprofits. We don’t want to do just a once or twice a year event. We like to stay engaged year-round.”
That would include donating from the hospital’s kitchen 13 dozen eggs every Monday, to the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) in Riverview, which specializes in emergency food and clothing and life-stabilizing programs and resources. Also from the hospital are funds to help support an ECHO case worker.
Another beneficiary of AdventHealth Riverview largesse is the Sun City Emergency Squad, a volunteer-run organization that has provided free emergency medical services to the community since 1964. Staffed by local volunteers, the squad offers 24/7 basic life support, ambulance services and other assistance to residents in need. In addition to “buying them a new van,” and “providing a monthly lunch,” Bo Sun said AdventHealth has earmarked roughly $20,000 for the squad’s medical supply needs.’
“Everything from gloves to Band-Aids, our supply chain is helping to supply their needs,” Sun said.
The “green-shirted angels,” as Sun calls his volunteers, were out in force as well for the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, held annually the first Saturday in May. Likewise, leading up to the Back 2 School Bash, roughly 40 AdventHealth Riverview volunteers were at the fairgrounds to help stuff backpacks.
Care Crew volunteers join others in a prep day for the 2026 Back 2 School Bash at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds on Aug. 1. With them are volunteers from ECHO and Scouting America, Greater Tampa Bay Area Council.
At the event itself, with Sun, were Chantelle Johnson, manager of AdventHealth Riverview’s emergency department; Erikka Selisker, assistant nurse manager; and Ramona Ford, an emergency department technician.
“No matter our titles, that’s truly who we are, emergency room nurses,” Selisker said. “Volunteering fills a different cup, allowing us to give back to the community we serve.”
Another aspect of Sun’s job is to oversee hospital-based volunteers. Many of them, he said, are high school and college students who hope to become nurses, physicians, technicians and other healthcare providers. The program gives them firsthand experience in a hospital setting while reinforcing that healthcare is about more than clinical skills.
"This is an opportunity to mentor and make a positive impact on the minds of those who are going to be our future healthcare providers," Sun said. "It's an opportunity to share our passion for healthcare and help them see it as more than just a job."
One of the program's most meaningful initiatives is the volunteer-run Comfort Cart, which makes daily rounds in inpatient units and the emergency department. Stocked with toiletries, puzzles, games, toys, Bibles and stress-relief items, the cart provides practical necessities, but Sun said its greatest purpose is emotional support. Volunteers are encouraged to spend time talking with patients and families, offering compassion and companionship during difficult moments.
"More than the items we're giving to our patients and families, it's about providing that emotional comfort," Sun said. "To be able to uplift someone's spirit through a simple conversation and make certain our patients feel acknowledged, seen and supported is very important." Watching young volunteers sit with patients for 20 or 30 minutes, he added, is one of the most rewarding parts of his job
Meanwhile, AdventHealth Riverview, which opened in October 2024, is expected to complete its first major expansion in December, increasing its licensed bed capacity from 82 to 150. Hospital officials said the project is intended to meet the growing demand for health care services in South Hillsborough County. The
Riverview hospital was designed with future growth in mind and, ultimately, has the capacity to expand to 202 beds. Construction on the expansion began in late 2025.