PeaceHealth honors dedicated volunteers during National Volunteer Week

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – PeaceHealth is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week, April 19–26, by recognizing the extraordinary individuals whose compassion, generosity and service strengthen the care we provide every day. Our volunteers are essential members of the PeaceHealth family, and this week offers a special opportunity to express our deep gratitude for all they do.

Across Whatcom County, volunteers at Whatcom Hospice and PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center give their time, talents and hearts to support patients, families and caregivers. Whether offering a warm welcome, providing comfort at the bedside or pitching in behind the scenes, each volunteer plays a meaningful role in creating a healing environment.

PeaceHealth volunteers embody our core values of Respect, Stewardship, Social Justice and Collaboration. They come from all walks of life—retirees, working professionals and students exploring careers in healthcare—but share a common commitment to serving others and strengthening our community.

Their contributions touch nearly every corner of our organization. Volunteers support departments such as the Emergency Department, Cancer Center and Childbirth Center, and they take on roles as varied as their interests. They deliver flowers and meal trays, escort patients and visitors, assist in the gift shop, test emergency radio communications, assemble patient information packets and help with special projects and events.

Some offer specialized comfort through pet therapy, spiritual support or by cuddling newborns in the Special Care Nursery. Hospice volunteers extend their care even further by running errands and offering companionship to patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Each volunteer receives orientation and extensive training to ensure they feel prepared and confident in their roles. Their dedication is reflected not only in the hours they serve but in the kindness, patience, and hope they bring to every interaction.

In 2025, Whatcom Hospice and St. Joseph Medical Center volunteers contributed over 31,000 hours—an extraordinary testament to their commitment and influence.

“We are profoundly grateful for our volunteers,” said Chuck Prosper, chief executive for PeaceHealth’s Northwest Region. “Their presence brings comfort, joy and humanity to our patients, and our caregivers rely on their steady support to help navigate long, busy days. Their hard work and willingness to step in wherever needed make an incredible difference. They are an integral part of our team and a big reason we are able to do what we do.”

While staff, patients and families clearly feel the benefits of being served, volunteers frequently express gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

“So often, volunteers say ‘I think I’m getting more out of this than what I’m giving,’” said Molly Watson, director of volunteer and auxiliary services for PeaceHealth facilities in Northwest Washington. “Service to others through volunteerism gives them a sense of purpose and connection.”

During National Volunteer Week and throughout the year, PeaceHealth extends heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who chooses to share their time and talents with us. Our work is stronger and our community is better because of them.

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.