Editor,

April 15-21 is National Volunteer Week. Organizations across the country are celebrating the contributions of dedicated volunteers who are helping to make life better for others. Covenant Hospice is honoring hospice volunteers who bring compassion and support to the lives of those facing a life-limiting illness.

“Covenant Hospice volunteers play an indispensable role in enabling Covenant to offer the best care possible for patients living with life-limiting illness, their families and caregivers. By sharing their time, energy and expertise, our volunteers bring compassion and caring to the lives of those in need.” said Dale O. Knee, president & CEO.

Hospice volunteers are integral members of the dedicated teams of professionals who provide hospice and palliative care across our nation. Hospice volunteers bring companionship to people in the final months and weeks of life, respite to families and caregivers, and support in fundraising and administrative efforts by hospice organizations.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, approximately 400,000 people actively volunteer in the nation’s 4,100 hospice organizations annually, providing more than 16 million hours of service annually.

Locally, more than 1,300 volunteers provided 105,023 hours in 2006 to help Covenant Hospice care for patients and families in our community. Many people become hospice volunteers after experiencing firsthand the compassionate care Covenant Hospice has provided to a dying loved one. To learn more about becoming a Covenant Hospice volunteer, please call CJ Weinstein at 626-5255.