Volunteers make waves within Prairie Mountain Health

National Volunteer Week is celebrated this year from April 27- May 3, 2025. Volunteers undoubtedly make a difference in the health and well-being of the residents, patients, and clients within the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region. The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is “Volunteers Make Waves”. It highlights the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is ‘movement building’.

“PMH sincerely values contributions made by our communities and stakeholders to our healthcare system not only during this national recognition week, but year-round,” says PMH CEO Treena Slate. “Volunteers and volunteer organizations continue to play a significant role as part of our PMH team. Like the lapping waves that ripple across the many lakes in our region, each volunteer contribution creates momentum, which inspires strength and resilience to the people we serve”

Within PMH region, volunteers support  personal care homes, hospitals, and community health programs across the region. Over the last year, PMH healthcare volunteers have put in a collective total of over 40,000 hours! Some notable examples include:

• Volunteers serve every personal care home within PMH, providing residents companionship, entertainment and assistance.
• Dedicated volunteers support the Palliative Care Program.
• Pet Therapy Dogs/handlers (PATDogs Team) who take time from their day to bring smiles to the patients and residents in hospitals and Personal Care Homes. The PATDogs program has grown from three Therapy dog teams to 45 teams in the last three years.
• Volunteers participate on local boards, foundations, auxiliary organizations and health care action committees, many of which raise funds that are put towards much-needed equipment purchases.
• Dedicated volunteers assist the Meals on Wheels program and harm reduction initiatives throughout the region.
• Volunteers assist with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

“On behalf of our board, staff and physicians, we very much appreciate and acknowledge all of our volunteers who selflessly share their time, knowledge, empathy and creativity which remains vital to inclusivity, intensity and the well-being of our communities,” Slate stated.

To apply to volunteer within PMH please visit our website Volunteer Services – Prairie Mountain Health.