Opinion : Letter to the Editor: National Volunteer Month

Dear Editor:

Even at the end of life, there can be a lot of living to do. Hospice volunteers help patients and families create meaningful moments and lasting memories. Right here in our community,

trained volunteers work with Compassus hospice patients and families, giving selflessly to help people live as fully as possible at the end of life.

In times of crisis, volunteers are even more integral to the health and safety of vulnerable patients. Our volunteers are lending their time in different ways: reading, reminiscing andspending time with the patients and loved ones we serve. Through every face-to-face interaction, the support of Compassus volunteers is unwavering. Our community is a better,

more compassionate place because of their service.

Across the U.S., more than 420,000 hospice volunteers give more than 19 million hours of service every year. Hospice volunteers are an indispensable part of the care team, bringing companionship to people in the final months and weeks of life, providing respite to families and caregivers and supporting the administrative responsibilities of hospice programs.

April is National Volunteer Month, and every single volunteer deserves our appreciation and grateful acknowledgement.

I encourage anyone who may be interested in becoming a hospice volunteer to contact Compassus-Iowa Volunteer Coordinator Jill Venden at 928-899-8546 or Jill.Venden@Compassus.com. 

You may also visit https://www.compassus.com/volunteers/volunteers/ to learn more.

Hospice volunteer opportunities are endless, and all hospice volunteers receive free training. Whether volunteering a few hours a month or six hours a week, all efforts are appreciated and needed.

Jill Venden

Volunteer Coordinator

Compassus Hospice