SUBMITTED BY HOSPICE OF THE NORTHWEST

Hospice of the Northwest Honors its own during National Volunteer Week, April 18 – 24. National Volunteer Week provides the opportunity to recognize the millions of Americans who provide volunteer service in communities across the country. At Hospice of the Northwest, over 50 trained volunteers give selflessly to help people live as fully as possible, even when facing a serious or life-limiting illness. Even now, during the pandemic, they are making a difference by safely visiting patients in their homes, caring for our patient’s pets, checking in with patients, and their circles of support through weekly phone calls encouraging grieving loved ones after a patient dies. They even support Hospice of the Northwest staff in our outreach, administrative, and clinical team departments.

“Given that hospice volunteers accompany people along the journey of a serious or life-threatening illness, they serve an essential part in enabling Hospice of the Northwest to offer the best care possible. By sharing their time, energy, and expertise, our volunteers bring compassion and dignity to the lives of those in need, and we celebrate them not only during National Volunteer Week but every day,” said Bob Laws, Executive Director

It is federally mandated under Medicare that five percent of all patient care hours be provided by trained volunteers, reflecting the vital role that volunteers play in the provision of care. But even if the integration of volunteers was not required, we would still consider them critical members of our team. Our community is a better, more compassionate place because of their service.

For those interested in learning more about hospice or volunteer opportunities, please visit www.hospicenw.org or call (360) 814-5550