Ohio’s Hospice and its affiliates are celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, 2022. This week is an opportunity to recognize the impact our volunteers have on our organization and our patients facing a life-limiting illness or injury. Across the state, nearly 1,200 volunteers support the Ohio’s Hospice mission to provide superior care and superior services to each patient and family we are honored and privileged to serve. 

“Our volunteers provide many services to our patients in support of our mission,” said Amy LeVan, director of volunteer services for Ohio’s Hospice. “Everything they do is patient focused. From office support to patient visits, their efforts make a difference in the quality of life for our patients.” 

Though volunteers were not able to provide direct patient care during the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, they transitioned to sewing face masks and extenders, making blankets, decorating windows at extended care facilities, planning personal protective equipment donations, and more. Those opportunities for in-person volunteering are gradually returning to Hospice Houses and patient homes when possible.  

“Volunteers were feeling isolated through the pandemic, and they knew the patients would be as well. Our volunteers wanted to do what they could to ease that feeling,” LeVan said. “The volunteer teams quickly made cards so individual notes could be written to patients, and phone call visits became a common way to have some human connection.” 

In addition to virtual visits with patients, the American Pride® Veteran Care by Ohio’s Hospice started virtual Veteran recognition ceremonies to honor Veterans with a pin, creed card, shadow box, and certificate delivered by the nurse while the volunteers presented the ceremony through a video call.  

“Our volunteers show up every day to make a difference in our patient’s lives. They do not ask for anything. They just want to give back to those in their communities,” LeVan said. “It is a beautiful thing to see how quickly they respond to a patient need. We are so thankful to have such a committed group of individuals who give of themselves so freely.” 

Diane Lawman is an example of the committed individuals who give their time and talent to support our mission. She volunteers with Ohio’s Hospice at United Church Homes. She bakes treats for patients and families. She also plans to serve as an ambassador in the community. “One should always give back,” she said. “I like to help people as needed.”

Click the links below to read about more of our volunteers at our affiliates across the state:  

• Community Care Hospice 
• Ohio’s Community Mercy Hospice  
• Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare 
• Ohio’s Hospice Loving Care 
• Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio 
• Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton 
• Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County Volunteers  
• Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County Volunteers  

If you would like to learn more about volunteering, please visit: https://www.ohioshospice.org/volunteer-application/