Do Something Truly Worthwhile – Become A Hospice Volunteer
Prairie du Chien, WI - “If you are looking for a rewarding way to serve your community and connect with others, please consider joining our hospice team as a volunteer,” stated Brittney Miller, LMSW, APSW, Crossing Rivers Health Social Worker and Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. “Hospice focuses on meaningful moments and living life to the fullest. Hospice volunteers play a huge role in the quality of life of our patients.”
To become certified as a hospice volunteer, individuals must attend 16 hours of training to learn the role of the hospice team and how to serve the needs of hospice patients and their loved ones. A two-day training session for new volunteers will be held on Saturday, September 7, and Saturday, September 14, at Crossing Rivers Health, Prairie du Chien, each day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
Hospice volunteers work with the Crossing Rivers Health Hospice care team to provide patient and family support. Volunteers play an essential role in the program, by providing patient companionship, bereavement, and spiritual guidance to patients and their families, as well as assisting with office tasks and special projects. Hours are based on patient and family need, along with geographic location and the willingness of the volunteer to travel.
McGregor resident Vicki Heilmann started volunteering for Crossing Rivers Health Hospice in November of 2011 because she wanted to make a difference in people's lives. “The end of life is just as important as the beginning of life. If I were facing the end of my life, I would want to have someone there for me to help make it through the changes that take place. That's what I do as a Hospice Volunteer - be that friend to the very end,” shared Heilmann.
Haley Kregel, LMSW, is a social worker with Crossing Rivers Health Hospice. She added, “Volunteers can dedicate several hours each week to a few hours each month. Hospice volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and complete a criminal background check.”
Individuals interested in participating in the hospice volunteer training sessions can register online by Friday, August 23, at www.crossingrivers.org/hospice-volunteer or by contacting Brittney Miller at 608-357-2446.
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