Thank You

National Volunteer Week is April 10-16, 2016. Quinnipiack Valley Health District wishes to thank all those who volunteer in the community and who have committed to helping others. You do make a difference. “Too often, we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” (Leo Buscaglia.)

Quinnipiack Valley Health District (QVHD) has the responsibility to respond to a public health emergency, should a situation develop. It is at such a time that QVHD counts on its volunteers to successfully implement whatever actions need to be taken. QVHD has a small staff and without volunteers would have a difficult, if not impossible, time dispensing medications or vaccinations to all its residents. While no one can know what emergency event may occur, it is known that a response will need to be rapid and will require volunteers who can respond quickly to the call for help. A volunteer work force that is in place and that can be called into action is critical for QVHD to be able to respond in a quick and efficient manner. You can be part of the team that protects you, your family and your community!  You don't need to have a particular skill; just a willingness to help out. If you would like to be involved and play a critical role in your community’s response to an emergency, please visit www.qvhd.org, Emergency Preparedness section, and complete a volunteer application or call QVHD, 203 248-4528, for a volunteer application.

It is a given that volunteering helps others. Social science research has also documented surprising health benefits for the volunteers. Volunteering can increase your overall sense of well-being; increase your level of happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and sense of control over your life; decrease depression and improve sleep.

There have also been some studies that have demonstrated that volunteering may lessen or alleviate chronic pain. Study participants relate that volunteering gives them a sense of connection to others and a purpose for themselves.

Volunteering can also help you gain entry to a new profession or field. You might learn new skills or learn about a different profession. Some career counselors recommend volunteering as a first step into workforce re-entry. Many employers will hire a person with volunteer experience over someone who has no volunteer experience.

No matter what your reason for volunteering, you will undoubtedly reap great rewards from the experience. If you are interested in volunteering, but don’t know where to start, try contacting: churches, your town’s human services department, senior centers, local civic organizations, libraries, schools, hospitals or nursing homes. You could also contact InfoLine, 211 or The United Way, 203 772-2010. On the web, try www.volunteermatch.org Volunteering does not have to be through an organized group. You can help a friend or a neighbor. You can visit an elderly shut-in. You can help an overwhelmed mom in the grocery store. It may seem small to you, but to the person you helped, to the person you showed that you cared, it is huge.

People volunteering together become “people power” and are sometimes the sole reason something gets accomplished! Quinnipiack Valley Health District, the public health department for Bethany, Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge, celebrates the service of all those who volunteer.  Contact us: www.qvhd.org