Volunteering Supports Well-Being for Everyone

At EvergreenHealth, we celebrate National Volunteer Month – and Week (April 21-27, 2024).

For decades, researchers have seen a link between better health and volunteering. "We're convinced that volunteering has positive ramifications for well-being," says Jeffrey Burr, PhD, a professor of gerontology at UMass Boston. Evidence has grown exponentially, he says: "Compared to non-volunteers, volunteers have less depression, less anxiety, higher self-esteem, higher life satisfaction, greater happiness and greater sense of meaning in life."

At EvergreenHealth, we have a loyal volunteer team of 219 people for Kirkland, Monroe and Redmond and a base of 172 Hospice volunteers. Some of our volunteers – ranging in age from 16 to 90 – have served here for as many as 38 years. Some, like Raven, are of the canine variety, members of our Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) teams!

Volunteer experiences hold immense potential to create positive impacts for both those generously dedicating their time and the recipients benefiting from their contributions. Personally, I am deeply grateful for a transformative volunteer experience during my freshman year of college that significantly influenced my career path.

It all began one day after class in the Health Sciences building at the University of Washington when I found myself lost and ended up wandering into the volunteer office at the UW Medical Center in search of directions. "You're late!," exclaimed the volunteer coordinator, and before I could correct her, I found myself in a blue vest stationed at the hospital information desk, greeting visitors and assisting in transporting patients throughout the hospital.

Volunteering at the medical center quickly became one of my favorite activities during my undergraduate experience. After completing hundreds of shifts and engaging in numerous meaningful patient interactions, I now look back on that experience as a pivotal factor in my decision to apply to medical school and pursue a career in medicine.

I know many of our staff members – leaders, direct care providers and hundreds of others – generously share their skills and passions with people in our community and beyond. I'm proud to work alongside all of you. And on behalf of those you serve, my deepest thanks.