HERMISTON, Ore.-National Volunteer Month, celebrated in April, recognizes the contributions of volunteers at the national, state, and local levels.
President George H.W. Bush established National Volunteer Month by Presidential Proclamation in 1991, as an extension of his “Thousand Points of Light” volunteering initiative put forth in his 1989 Inaugural Address.
Almost 76 million Americans volunteered across the country in 2023, performing five billion hours of service with an estimated value of $167 billion, according to data from the United States Census Bureau.
In Hermiston, over 90 active and dedicated volunteers give of their time on a regular basis at Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS), contributing an average of 722 service hours each month.
Volunteers support patient care, community health, and help advance the GSHCS mission “To provide compassionate and exceptional care, close to home, that meets the needs of our growing community.”
“From assisting with wayfinding to offering reassurance and compassionate support during admissions, volunteers help create a welcoming and supportive care environment,” said Miranda Vega-Rector, Volunteer Coordinator at GSHCS. “In specialized areas, such as speech and occupational therapy, volunteers contribute to patient progress by helping individuals build new skills and overcome challenges, including social barriers.”
GSHCS volunteers serve in a variety of capacities, including customer service and information desks, the GSHCS Auxiliary, Vange John Memorial Hospice, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, the Treatment Center, Outpatient Clinics, the Emergency Department, Nutritional Services, Environmental Services, and the Children’s Center.
“These diverse opportunities allow volunteers to make a direct impact on patient care while supporting the overall health and well-being of the community,” said Vega-Rector.
In addition to highlighting the work of volunteers and thanking them for their service, people are encouraged to use #National Volunteer Month and #VolunteerMonth2026 on social media throughout April.
According to USAFacts, 35.7 percent of Oregonians formally volunteered in 2023, and National Volunteer Month also provides a chance for people to explore volunteer opportunities and get involved in their local community.
Those interested in volunteering at GSHCS can complete an application online or in-person at the gift shop just inside the main hospital entrance at 610 NW 11th Street in Hermiston.
