Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the many passionate volunteers who donate their time, offer their talents, share their skills, and provide vital support to causes they care about in their hospital and community. This year’s annual week of recognition is April 18-24.
In what has been an unprecedented year for all hospitals and health care systems, volunteers remain strong, and continue to adapt to the endless changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether in the hospital setting or safely from home, the impact volunteers continue to have is instrumental to the health and safety of their hospitals and communities.
In the coming weeks, the California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (CAHHS) Volunteer Services encourages you to honor and celebrate your volunteers. Here are a few ways to recognize their contributions:
- Share a story of gratitude about a volunteer who has made a difference in your hospital
- Show your appreciation on social media using #VolunteerstheHeartofHealthcare
- Plan fun and safe events
- Use Zoom for virtual interaction
- Create drive-through experiences
- Mail or email special greetings
- Recognize volunteers for awards or hours of service
- Ask hospital leadership and staff to share their messages of thanks
CAHHS looks forward to seeing the creative ways to honor volunteers.
Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud. – Helen Dyer