Passionate Volunteers Finally Return to Mount Nittany Health after COVID-19 Hiatus

Mount Nittany Health Foundation is proud to announce the return of the volunteer program. The volunteer program was put on hold in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but volunteers have slowly been returning. 

Prior to COVID-19, Mount Nittany Medical Center had 300 active volunteers who provided support throughout the health system. Some volunteers work directly with patients, visitors, and staff, while others assist with hospital and the Mount Nittany Health Foundation support functions.

“We are so lucky to have volunteers who care so deeply,” said Amelia Hull, Mount Nittany Health Foundation’s Volunteer Resources Supervisor. “I’ve had volunteers who have been with us for years who have been checking in with me, wanting to come back and help as soon as we could have them safely return.”

The volunteer program began in 1952 in the Centre Community Hospital in Bellefonte. Volunteers have supported their health system for the past 60 years through both name and location changes.

What started as a few volunteers operating the hospital snack bar to provide visitors with sandwiches, coffee, and soft drinks, has turned into a program that has seen thousands of people volunteer their time and care to support their fellow community members. 

Today, volunteers perform a wide variety of duties - from greeting and escorting patients and visitors, to performing specific clerical duties, retrieving wheelchairs, and discharging patients. Perhaps the most important thing they can offer is a friendly face and someone to talk to for patients and staff during a stressful moment. 

Volunteers can be found in the Emergency Department, on patient floors, in Endoscopy and Ambulatory Care, in the coffee shop, and behind reception desks. Mount Nittany Health’s volunteers range from 18 to 95 years old, and include high school, college students, professionals, and retired community members. 

“It means a lot to our volunteers to make meaningful connections with people,” Hull said. “They would do anything for anybody.”

Individuals interested in learning more about volunteering with Mount Nittany Health Foundation are encouraged to visit: https://foundation.mountnittany.org/volunteer.