Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) continues to look for dedicated volunteers to fill a variety of roles.

The organization updates its volunteer opportunities list regularly. Heather Schalk, volunteer services manager, said volunteers today often want flexibility. Some want to volunteer for several hours each week, while others might have less availability but ask to be on the list for a one-time opportunity, like a special event. Schalk meets with each new volunteer individually to get a sense of their interests, skills, and schedule.

Bluffton Hospital is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with greeting and way-finding at the ER Entrance.  This opportunity is available weekdays between 8a-4p.

“This type of role is rewarding since the volunteers get to know people,” she said. “It can be reassuring for patients to see a friendly face, but we find that the volunteers, too, benefit from getting these kinds of social interactions.”

With the holidays approaching, BVHS is also looking for volunteers to work at the Bluffton Hospital gift shop. In Bluffton, the hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

“Our gift shops will be bustling for the holidays so we will be relying on volunteers to help,” Schalk said. “It is a fun, busy, and festive atmosphere this time of year.”

Additionally, BVHS is always looking for high school students to serve as candy stripers. Boys and girls from freshman through senior years are welcome. Up to four candy stripers volunteer from 3:30 to 5 p.m. each weekday after school.

“The experience offers the teens great exposure to the medical world,” Schalk said. “Students thinking about a career in healthcare can see what a hospital is like.”

The responsibilities of the candy stripers include replenishing supplies at the emergency department, distributing items to patients from the “comfort cart,” and making milkshakes for new mothers who have just given birth.

Schalk said teens who are shy may find themselves coming out of their shells. In addition to getting to glimpse a hospital behind the scenes, they will meet a wide range of people.

While Schalk often hears from newly retired people who want to stay busy and give back, all are welcome. This might include college students and stay-at-home parents who have time during the school year.

“Many of our volunteers are motivated by a desire to give back to the community, in general, and we’re so happy they picked BVHS as the place to do so,” Schalk said. “But we also hear from a lot of people who have had a good experience as a patient or saw a loved one receiving great care. These folks are motivated to give back to BVHS specifically because of those experiences, which says a lot about our organization and the compassionate associates providing quality care throughout BVHS. It’s so meaningful each time we hear that.”

Schalk, who has served in this role for 12 years, said every day is different and she enjoys getting to know the volunteers. 

“It’s so rewarding when I see a volunteer find something that gives them a sense of purpose or a feeling of making a difference,” she said.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, please call 419-423-5342 or visit bvhealthsystem.org/volunteers