Dear Editor –
… Adding more life to each day.
This definitely seems like sage advice: to live FULLY.
What if I told you that this was the vision statement for Affinis Hospice, a non-profit hospice located right here in Augusta? I bet you would be surprised. However, hospice is as much about living fully as it is about dying peacefully.
Opinion
A vital part of helping our patients embrace life are our hospice volunteers. Hospice is the only healthcare industry that requires the use of volunteers. An interdisciplinary team of professionals provides hospice care and volunteers are an integral part of that team. The volunteer role is truly unique: the opportunity to be the last new friend that someone makes in his or her lifetime.
Our volunteers are truly priceless with their unparalleled compassion, inspiring creativity and dedication to our hospice mission. Throughout the pandemic, they never let us forget they wanted to volunteer and reminded us how critically important these extraordinary individuals are to our hospice patients and families.
As we celebrate National Healthcare Volunteer Appreciation Week from April 16 to 22, we celebrate our hospice volunteers who take the time to make the little details the BIG things, lend a listening ear, help grant a wish or are simply new friends that help our patients on the walk “home.” You all truly make special moments possible by ensuring patients and families spend their remaining time together creating beautiful, meaningful memories. Our communities are better, more compassionate places because of their service, and each one deserves our grateful acknowledgement.
Across the United States, more than 430,000 hospice volunteers give 19 million hours of care every year. I hope you will consider joining them.
Hospice volunteer opportunities are flexible and varied, as unique as the volunteers themselves are. All volunteers receive free training. Whether volunteering a few hours a month or a few days a week, all efforts are appreciated and needed.
Reach out to jhanson@affinishospice.org to learn more.
To our Affinis Hospice volunteers, and all hospice volunteers nationwide: thank you for your creativity, dedication and compassion. You are a priceless part or hospice care and we could not do it without each of you.
If you have questions about hospice care please feel free to reach out to the email address above or contact our office at 706-434-0421.
Sincerely –
Jessica Hanson
Volunteer Coordinator
Affinis Hospice
