Bayhealth Volunteers Make Triumphant Return After 16-Month Hiatus

It was an exciting day as many of Bayhealth’s beloved volunteers returned for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
Starting July 12, Bayhealth’s Pet Therapy teams as well as off-site volunteers may once again volunteer their time. The rest of Bayhealth’s volunteers, including those who work inside the hospitals, are expected to return later this summer. 
 
“It was a tremendously difficult decision to ask our volunteers to remain home back in March 2020 when the pandemic first began. While the decision was hard, we knew what we were doing was the best course of action to ensure our volunteers remained safe,” said Volunteer Services Manager Carrie Hart. “It was such a fulfilling moment to see our Pet Therapy teams reenter the hospitals today after 16 long months of being away from the Bayhealth family.” 
 
In all, Bayhealth has 18 Pet Therapy teams. In total, Bayhealth has roughly 160 active volunteers in addition to those who volunteer from home by creating home-made donations such as hats and blankets. 
 
“We are just so excited to bring our Pet Therapy teams back to Bayhealth,” said Pet Therapy Volunteer Beth Peterson. “It brings a ray of sunshine to everyone’s day and we’re so glad to be back for the patients, visitors, and staff members.” 
 
Visit Bayhealth.org/Volunteers to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Stay tuned for more updates this summer as the rest of Bayhealth’s volunteers return.