Volunteers in health system earn salute

Every day, volunteers in the health system impact and influence the lives of thousands of Nova Scotians. Each volunteer brings a unique skillset and personal reason for dedicating their time and talent. Their contributions are many and widespread:

• Smiling faces and comforting conversation during a treatment session or visit to hospital or program

• Sing-a-longs and a chorus of music to soothe a long stay

• Providing first-hand feedback to shape future care delivery

• Building healthier communities by offering advice and taking action on local health needs

• Enhancing care and comfort of patients and clients by raising money for new equipment and supporting education, research and innovation

This list of activities is too short to fully capture the work of the 7,000 volunteers who participate in over 800 volunteer programs or support auxiliaries, foundations, community health boards, Nova Scotia Health Authority’s (NSHA) board of directors, patient, family and public advisory committees, as well as quality teams and long-term care programming at the NSHA. We benefit greatly from this generosity and so do the individuals, families and communities we serve.

During National Volunteer Week, I encourage you to join NSHA in honouring and thanking the thousands of volunteers who are contributing to our vision of healthy people, healthy communities – for generations. Nova Scotia benefits daily from this wonderful commitment to each other. Janet Knox President and CEO, Nova Scotia Health Authority