Hospital volunteers sweeten the pain

PALMER -- "Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world," said Helen Keller. Helen Keller was certainly no stranger to pain. Both physical and emotional anguish were daily companions for her. However, she came to learn what the more than 80 volunteers throughout Valley Hospital, Valley Hospital Medical Center and Hospice of Mat-Su have learned: "So long as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not in vain."

In this fast-paced, multi-tasked world, volunteers give the most precious of all gifts: themselves and their time. Hours of volunteer service to Valley Hospital in 2003 totaled 8,904. Hospital volunteers range in age from 15 years old to 90 years young. They serve in Wasilla at the medical center; in Palmer at the hospital; in patient's homes with hospice care; and at safety and educational events sponsored by Valley Hospital throughout the community.

Reasons for volunteering vary as much as the volunteers themselves. High school students often volunteer to fulfill requirements for acceptance into the National Honor Society or to receive a Merit Diploma. Giving to others provides meaning and purpose to life and help people cope with difficult life transitions. Some volunteers want to give back to a program or service that has provided support for them and their loved ones. Potential volunteers often come to Valley Hospital's program because of the support they received from a hospital or hospice volunteer.

Valley Hospital patients and the community reap tremendous benefits from the volunteers. The Independent Sector estimated the monetary value of volunteer service at $16.54 per hour in 2002. The total dollar value of volunteer time in the United Sates that same year was estimated at $256.4 billion. But that statistic is truly a small part of what volunteers have to offer. Valley Hospital volunteers share real and priceless benefits with patients and their families: comfort, companionship, support and understanding.

Even the volunteer benefits from the exchange. Although uncompensated monetarily, volunteers receive a sense of satisfaction of a job well done and enjoy the relationships created through interactions with staff, patients and visitors. Some volunteers come to validate chosen career paths or to learn new skills. Of course, the desire to give back to the community and the opportunity to socialize with other like-minded people are also great motivators.

For more information on volunteer opportunities at Valley Hospital facilities, call the Volunteer Services Department at 746-8781. For information on hospice care or hospice volunteer opportunities, contact Matt Nelson at 352-4800.

Cathy Smith is a certified administrator of Volunteer Services and the Volunteer Services manager at Valley Hospital.