State of the Heart Hospice joins the nation’s 5,800 hospices in honoring those who volunteer in many ways in the delivery of hospice care. Last year, State of the Heart volunteers contributed over 9,000 hours of their time saving the nonprofit agency over $95,000. The agency will host volunteers at a luncheon and a dinner in April.
“Our volunteers give so much and seek no recognition for the great things they do for our patients and families,” stated Pauline Faller, Volunteer Manager for State of the Heart. “Our recognition luncheon and dinner is a way for us to gather and thank them for all they do.
On Tuesday, April 21, State of the Heart will hold a dinner for volunteers at 6:30 p.m. at the Calico Café, 116 W. Main St., Coldwater, Ohio. On Friday, April 24, there will be a noon luncheon in the Brick Room at the Brethren Retirement Community, 750 Chestnut St. in Greenville. All volunteers have been invited to attend one of these functions.
National Volunteer week is being observed April 12-18 by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization based near Washington, D.C. The NHPCO reports that last year, an estimated 355,000 hospice volunteers provided more than 16 million hours of service to hospice programs. Each day, 1.5 million people coping with a life-limiting illness are cared for by hospice every year.
“Those volunteering being companionship to people in the final months and weeks of life often a time when people find themselves cut off from the community, isolated and alone,” Faller said. “They bring respite to family caregivers who are caring for a dying loved one and struggling with their own grief and loss. They provide valuable support with local outreach efforts, fundraising events and administrative tasks.”
State of the Heart Hospice cares for patients and families in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are confronting a life limiting illness. The agency, which has provided care for 34 years, has offices in Greenville, Coldwater and Portland.
Faller said that volunteers are always needed. “Volunteers can volunteer for as many hours as they want and their schedule is flexible.” Following a brief orientation, volunteers can choose what helpful tasks they want to do for State of the Heart. For more information about volunteering for State of the Heart, contact Faller at 1-800-417-7535. To learn more about the services provided by State of the Heart visit the agency web site at www.stateoftheheartcare.org.
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