Volunteer Spotlight: HealthFest Volunteers

This past Saturday was a wet and stormy one. While most were huddled inside staying warm and dry, over 200 volunteers ventured out into the weather to serve at this year's HealthFest. The weather may have been an obstacle, but the HealthFest volunteers were not going to let it affect their work in assisting people to receive the much needed medical care.

The HealthFest event focused on getting people the immediate medical care they needed and then connecting them with a medical provider for follow-up care. The HealthFest helped to educate and connect people to affordable medical resources available in our community.

"Volunteers worked hard all day from directing traffic in the parking lot to handing out bags of fresh produce, to providing medical, dental, and mental health screenings," said Jessica Godderz, volunteer coordinator for the HealthFest. "They greeted each patient that walked through the door with a smile.

Without the volunteers this day could not have happened."

We would like to thank everyone in the community who volunteered at the HealthFest. Many people gave of their time and talent to make this day a success. Lake City Community Church, which helped start the first HealthFest, showed up in full force by providing volunteer medical professionals and many of the non-medical volunteer positions. "To see the united face of so many people coming together from many different organizations, all enjoining such an important cause ... well, it just makes you feel good to have neighbors like these," said Alan Brockway, Dirne Community Health Center Development Director.

Volunteer Opportunity

Now that the HealthFest has occurred, where can you go to volunteer? The Dirne Community Health Center is in need of Social Services Crisis Intake Volunteers.

Dirne CHC is a nonprofit, federally qualified community health center providing services from four sites in Coeur d'Alene for medical, dental, and counseling.

Volunteers are needed to be on site at Dirne on a regular schedule for two hours, twice a month, time slots of either 9 to 11 a.m. or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (preferred). This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to handle potential crisis. Volunteers will be performing intake interviews on individuals in crisis for the social services outreach workers. Volunteers may be working with homeless, disabled, or mentally ill individuals and must be able to treat these clients with sympathy and respect. This position will require some training and we prefer volunteers who are willing to commit to at least six months of service.

Volunteers must pass background check and must be able to handle direct patient contact and potential crisis situations. They must have the ability to maintain confidentiality (HIPAA). Contact Kellie Baker, volunteer coordinator at [email protected] or call 292-0292

For more information about volunteer opportunities visit the United Way's Volunteer Center www.kootenaiunitedway.org.