LEXINGTON, Ky. — CHI Saint Joseph Health is welcoming volunteers back on campus a year after pausing its volunteer program in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It's a very exciting day and this is Volunteer Appreciation Week so it's just perfect that we could bring them back this week and really show them how much we appreciate them and that we're excited to bring them back,” said Anna Taylor, market director of Philanthropy and Volunteer Services.
This week, 325 volunteers are returning to some in-person duties across eight campuses in Central and Eastern Kentucky.
On Monday, the Lexington location celebrated the volunteers’ return after that group spent more than 400 days virtually connecting with patients.
“I had my sewing machine out for one whole year doing a couple of projects, but I’m looking forward to doing my volunteer positions in person, much more effective, and a whole lot more fun,” said Margaret Cadle, a volunteer.
Cadle has been volunteering for 14 years.
She along with other volunteers is being treated to welcome back celebration efforts at all the locations.
Their duties will return in a phased approach with safety being a top priority.
“They'll still be greeting our patients just as always and our employees are very excited to see them,” Taylor said. “And we hope, you know, in the next couple of months that it will be back in full swing as it was before but in the meantime, they're providing a great service for our patients and staff.”
The hospital said this week thousands of volunteers across the U.S. are also expected to be honored for the services they provide to local organizations and communities.