Letter to the Editor: Celebrating Volunteers

The last week of April heralds the anticipation of spring planting, warmer weather, longer hours of sunlight and a celebration: National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, a time to acknowledge and thank those who give of their time and talents to meet community needs.

This year’s theme, “Something for Everyone,” expresses the range of diverse opportunities throughout our community. According to reports, volunteers contribute an average of 3.5 hours each week with an impact that far surpasses what initially appears as meager time spent. Volunteers provide services that play important roles in the overall operations of many community organizations, including hospitals and affiliated outpatient centers.

That is why I am proud to recognize volunteers working at Independence Health System through Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland hospitals and our outpatient centers, where 300-plus volunteers donated more than 20,000 hours annually, working in patient care areas, administrative offices, guest services and fundraising. Volunteers can choose the amount of time they wish to donate, how these hours might be spent and the type of service area that suits desires and personal expertise. Most of all, health care volunteers have the opportunity to interact with our patients and their families as they navigate some of the most challenging times in their lives … making a difference in those lives.

So please join me as I celebrate all of our community volunteers and especially the health care volunteers with whom I am blessed to be working.

Ellen Katter

Murrysville

The writer is director of volunteer services at Independence Health System Westmoreland area.

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