Four Mahaska Health Partnership Volunteers Receive Governor’s Volunteer Award
Five Mahaska Health Partnership volunteers and Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt received 2015 Governor’s Volunteer Awards during a special recognition ceremony on July 10 at Indian Hills Community College. Award recipients pictured, from left: Volunteers Linda Oetjen, Marion Vos and Roger Johannes; SHIIP Counselor Shirley Vore and MHP Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt. Not pictured is Volunteer Vicki Koger, who was recognized but unable to attend the ceremony.
MAHASKA COUNTY –Oskaloosa residents, Vicki Koger, Roger Johannes, Linda Oetjen and Marion Vos received the 2015 Iowa Governor’s Award on July 10 for their selfless contributions to Mahaska Health Partnership.
According to MHP Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt, criteria for selection included exceptional commitment to volunteerism, exemplary leadership, creativity, cooperation and work in their service to others. The program provides Iowa nonprofit, charitable and government organizations a way to honor their cherished volunteers with prestigious, state-level recognition.
“Mahaska Health Partnership is incredibly lucky to have so many great volunteers,” Langfitt said. “I always know I can count on them to make healthcare personal for everyone they come in contact with at MHP.”
Koger began volunteering at MHP in May 2010, along with her pet therapy dogs, Yeager and Lacey. The trio frequently visits the Hospice Serenity House, Inpatient Services and Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry. “Vicki and her pet therapy dogs have touched so many lives since they started volunteering at MHP,” Langfitt shared. “Her dogs can sense when a patient, family member or employee needs some attention. Vicki is a wonderful asset to MHP and always brings a smile wherever she goes.”
Johannes has been a volunteer at MHP for over six years. He currently serves as a Surgery Liaison, while also dedicating some of his time at the Hospice Serenity House. According to Langfitt, Johannes is an exceptional role model to other volunteers. “When a surgery goes later than expected, Roger will stay late so families have someone they can talk to or get a report from. He has a great sense of humor, is very dependable and always there when we need him to come in early.”
Oetjen joined MHP in 2011. She is currently serving as a Surgery Liaison every Thursday. “We have a visiting specialist who performs cataracts on varying Thursdays throughout the month,” Langfitt explained. “Linda keeps things running smoothly both for patients and MHP staff. She has a positive attitude, calm demeanor and is an inspiration to both new and experienced volunteers.”
Vos began his volunteer career in 2010, working as a greeter while also helping his wife, Dorothy, with gift shop duties. Though his wife has retired from her role in Whispering Tree Gifts, Marion continues to greet guests at entrance four. “Marion is a very dependable person and always comes in to cover extra shifts if needed,” Langfitt shared. “While he also drives a local school bus, Marion continues to dedicate time to MHP. He is a true believer in our mission and takes great pride in his role at our facility.”
Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt and SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) Counselor Shirley Vore also accepted an award on behalf of MHP for the SHIIP Program, which has been offered on campus for 15 years. SHIIP Counselors are specially trained to help individuals with Medicare benefits. Vore has devoted many hours to counseling individuals about their benefit options on the MHP campus, with Langfitt assisting with scheduling appointments.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Mahaska Health Partnership, call Langfitt at 641.672.3342 or visit mahaskahealth.org and click “Become a Volunteer” under the “Careers” tab.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
