Volunteer Application

The Volunteer Act

Sign-up Online!

Volunteer Stories

Volunteer Stories

Sally Fuegi is a nurse practicioner who has volunteered with PHC since its early days, when everyone who worked at the Clinic was a volunteer. She says, "I love walking in on clinic nights and seeing staff members working side-by-side with volunteer providers and assistants. This regular staff provides the continuity that makes for excellent care. They greet the volunteers and the patients with familiarity, ensure that needed supplies are on hand, and follow up on treatment and outside referrals. And they have answers to all the questions that come up during a busy clinic session. With this combination of regular staff and our wonderful volunteers, I can see how well PHC serves the community."

"I love coming here," says Sammie Saucedo, a medical assistant and one of the Clinic's most consistent volunteers for 2 1/2 years."I find that the people (who work here) aren't out to make a buck, so they're more thoughtful, more giving. The way medicine is these days, doctors often have to cut their time. When doctors come here, they know they can take the time they need to make sure they address all their patients' questions." She goes on."I like that I can continue my skills here. I'm not compartmentalized. Everything I have learned as a medical assistant or with Spanish, I can use here. There's a real feeling of comaraderie. Everyone is pitching in to do the best they can."

Sarah Klingenstein, a volunteer translator, notes: "What I have observed here that is so impressive is the ongoing patient education. Many people without health insurance may not have been to a doctor for years when they first walk through our door. When they are diagnosed with a chronic condition, there is so much they need to know. Between the relaxed and regular visits with a provider and the classes they can take, they are armed with great knowledge about how to care for themselves and to get better."

A pre-med student, Josh Smith was surprised when he looked into the health insurance that was available through his university."It was almost as expensive as regular coverage, and had really high deductibles. I was excited to learn there was a clinic for the uninsured here. I was impressed and I wanted to be a part of it." Josh translates and takes vital signs at the Clinic on Tuesday nights."PHC is helping people and people are coming back, not waiting until they have a dire situation and have to be rushed to the emergency room. I'll bet People's Health has done a lot to relieve the strain on the ERs."