Pete’s Perspective: National Volunteer Month – A Circle of Giving

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

April is National Volunteer Month and here at Salinas Valley Health, we celebrate our diverse team of those who give of their time.

Why volunteer? Doing so supports good health and well-being. It engages your mind, your body and your spirit. Volunteering teaches you new things, brings new perspectives and opens opportunities for new connections and friendships. It will get you out of your own bubble and get you moving. Simply put, volunteering makes you feel good – so good we wish it was something we could prescribe.

Why volunteer at Salinas Valley Health? We offer a wide range of meaningful and often fun ways to help. The Service League, which has worked for seventy-plus years to support our patients and staff, has a finely tuned system that places volunteers in roles that fit their needs, match their skills and provide fulfillment.

From the lobby door to unit floors, Salinas Valley Health volunteers add that extra touch that can go far in enhancing the patient experience. More than 200 individuals gave over 11,000 hours of their time to serve our public district medical center in 2022. In doing so, they support not only our healthcare system, but also our community-at-large.

What do our volunteers do?

• Several recently had their dogs certified for our Pet Therapy Program. Nothing brings a smile to a patient’s face like having a visit from a volunteer and friendly dog.
• Those that work in guest services assist with everything from greeting arrivals to visiting patients to see how things are going for them.
• Lifeline volunteers travel to patient residences to install equipment that allows individuals to live safely and independently at home with 24/7 medical alert services and fall detection.
• Telecare helpers work from home and call patients by phone to connect and check in (bilingual skills are especially welcome in these positions and other areas)
• People who enjoy getting out in the community can assist with our Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic, special events, health promotion activities, Blue Zones Project Monterey County and more.

The opportunities are nearly limitless and can be tailored to individual needs. From crafting at home, working in our gift shop, helping in targeted areas such as student programs or spiritual care, to the eye-opening experience of assisting in the Emergency Department, there is something for all ages. Being part of the Salinas Valley Health Service League Volunteers means being part of an amazing team, and it is a richly rewarding experience.

Everyone has the power to make a difference in another person’s life, and it’s something that feels good. Consider volunteering. You might find it’s just what the doctor ordered.