CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Adventist Health Clear Lake’s physicians, nurses and other staff are not the only ones who promote healing and wellness.

An important part of the team are the men and women who serve patients and visitors as volunteers.

Adventist Health Clear Lake recognized its volunteer team during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 15 to 21.

Cumulatively, Adventist Health Clear Lake’s volunteers have served a combined 46,785 hours, the equivalent of over 22 full-time employees working for one year.

The volunteers serve throughout the hospital and outpatient centers and are most visible at the check-in desk, where they greet patients and help them find their destination within the hospital.

“The warm welcome of a volunteer creates the first impression of our hospital,” said Katie Sust, patient experience manager. “That is why we are so grateful to have such compassionate and service-minded individuals as part of our team.”

Sust and the team at Adventist Health Clear Lake have planned a full week of activities to celebrate the dedicated service of the volunteer team, beginning with dinner at the hospital’s Mountain View Café on Tuesday, April 17.

The celebration continues with a visit to the Highlands Senior Center in Clearlake on Wednesday and ice cream at Lower Lake Coffee & Cream Café on Thursday.

The festivities conclude on Friday, April 20, with the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College, where each volunteer is honored for their hours of service in 2017 and receives a special gift.

Ruth Knight of Clearlake has been volunteering at the hospital for 16 years. “I like to interact with people and to help them, if possible,” she said. “I also enjoy the camaraderie of working with the other volunteers.”

National Volunteer Week, April 15 to 21, is an opportunity to celebrate the work of volunteers nationwide. Established in 1974 by Presidential Proclamation, National Volunteer Week recognizes volunteers and urges a culture of service.

If you are interested in volunteering at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, contact Katie Sust, Patient Experience Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-995-5618, or visit www.AdventistHealthClearLake.org .