Volunteers Recognized for Hours of Service to GCHD

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

Each year the Garrett County Health Department recognizes the many community members who volunteer their time to health department projects which promote the health of the community.

In 2020, although the nation was in the middle of a pandemic, 118 volunteers still contributed 1,458 volunteer hours to health department projects.

“Many of our volunteers went above and beyond in 2020 to help meet the public health needs of our community,” said Kendra McLaughlin, Director of Health Education and Outreach. “From providing support at COVID-19 clinics to assisting at drive-through community education events, our volunteers stayed true to our mission and provided unwavering service. Although we couldn’t recognize them through our traditional volunteer appreciation dinner, we were able to deliver a volunteer appreciation gift bag to our many community helpers.”

Volunteers with five community planning groups worked in their communities to continue to provide prevention messages and community-strengthening events using safe, socially distanced, or online methods to reach their residents. Other volunteers continued to serve on advisory boards and committees which met using digital meeting platforms like Google Meets or Zoom. Still more volunteers assisted in the testing and vaccination efforts for COVID-19.

“The Garrett County Health Department has a greater impact on our community because of a strong, skilled, network of volunteers,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “It is reassuring to know that we have a dedicated group of volunteers to extend the reach of public health into the community regardless of what the nation is facing. Neighbors helping each other is what community is all about.”

For more information about volunteer opportunities with the Garrett County Health Department call 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.