Celebrating our BCH Volunteers during National Volunteer Week

April 19 – 25 is National Volunteer Week! We are proud to have 447 active volunteers working to improve patient experience and quality of care at Boulder Community Health (BCH). ​Volunteers from all walks of life and every local community choose to give their time and energy to BCH. This week, we are highlighting six volunteers who represent different opportunities across the hospital system.

Jody H. has been volunteering for over 20 years with the BCH Canine Corps with her golden retriever therapy dogs, Nina and Pearl. Her first therapy dog, Nina, was a natural healer – affectionately known as “The Doggie Lama” – who helped teach Pearl the ways of a therapy dog. “Nina was all about comfort—and so is Pearl. It’s a kind of quiet magic to witness,” Jody says.

Jody and Pearl serve on the Canine Corps and spread what Jody calls “Golden Glitter” to patients and families across the hospital. “What I love most is the immediate shift you can feel when she enters a room. There’s a softening, a smile, sometimes even tears. She has a way of meeting people exactly where they are, without words,” Jody states.

“There has never been a day we’ve volunteered that I haven’t walked away with my heart overflowing, “says Jody. “There is something profound about the gift animals offer—presence, connection, unconditional acceptance. We have so much to learn from them. Pearl teaches me every day.”

Ryan K. is one of our newer volunteers, having served over 60 hours since spring of 2025 at the coffee cart and with the Volunteer Services Advisory Council. Making his way through the hospital offering coffee, tea and hot chocolate to patients and families brings Ryan joy. “I enjoy doing this because it gives me an opportunity to see many different patients during every shift, and although offering coffee is a small gesture, many people really appreciate it.”

With the Volunteer Services Advisory Council, Ryan is leading a work group focused on improving volunteer onboarding. Ryan states he is excited about the potential impact he may have in helping to shape the future of the volunteer program.

Volunteering gives Ryan a sense of purpose and of giving back to the community. “Volunteer work is great; it makes you feel good, helps others, and can often lead to unexpected connections and relationships,” says Ryan. “The volunteer program at BCH makes a real difference in our community.”

Rosella A. began volunteering at BCH in the fall of 2011 as a greeter, transitioning quickly into the Gift Shop. An experienced health care worker, Rosella wanted to continue working in the health care space among patients and families receiving care.

Rosella says that volunteering is incredibly rewarding, allowing BCH Volunteers to learn about the field of medicine through a close connection with the staff. “You benefit from knowing that you are assisting patients and families during a stressful time in their life,” she says.

“I enjoy working in the gift shop interacting with staff, patients, families and visitors,” Rosella states. “I also like the fact that our proceeds go toward scholarships, and other worthy causes in the community of Boulder County.”

Gavin L. became a BCH Volunteer in the summer of 2024 and has committed over 270 hours in the Emergency Department (ED). As a pre-med student at the University of Colorado, Gavin is gaining beneficial experience in the health care environment necessary to succeed in medical school.

From preparing rooms for new patients and restocking supplies, Gavin supports staff and families as they navigate care in the ED. “The thing I love most about my role is that the staff continuously invites me to observe a variety of cases, from things like central lines to CPR, because they know I am a student trying to learn,” says Gavin. “Being able to support people in some of their worst moments means the world to me. This role has equipped me with the ability to make a strong, positive impact on both the lives of patients and the lives of hardworking nurses, technicians, and physicians.”

As an advocate for the BCH Volunteer program, Gavin recommends volunteering at BCH as an excellent way to give back to the community. “This hospital is dedicated to healing and supporting those who need it, and being capable of working towards that goal is one of the best experiences one can have, as it builds a strong understanding, and a strong character.”

Jan F. started volunteering at BCH 2002, and has served over 5013 hours, most as Canine Corps Program Coordinator. A dedicated early member of the Canine Corps team, Jan helped set up the program at its beginning with two other BCH Volunteers, Janet and Pat. “Janet met my Aussie, Katie, and said ‘She’s the one! She’s perfect,’ And she was,” says Jan. “Katie volunteered with the Canine Corps for 9 years. So, my dog was recruited for the program, and I came along to hold the leash.”

After 24 years, Jan has stepped back from her role as Canine Corps Program Coordinator, handing the leash to her colleague, Bridget O. and her dog Patches. After so many hours of service, Jan says she has continued to volunteer because of the work, the people and the support available at BCH. “When my dog Katie retired, I continued to volunteer with another Aussie, Tiger. When Tiger retired, I continued to volunteer because I believe what I’m doing makes a difference in peoples’ lives.”

Although Jan is taking a step back, she says she’s still looking forward to continuing to serve. “I loved working with the dogs and with the awesome people – the handlers – who love to work with their dogs. Dog people are special, right? I’ll continue to be involved with the Canine Corps, especially with the 2027 Canine Corps Calendar.”

Above all, Jan’s advice for those considering volunteering is: “Do it. Find work you believe in. The support, the culture, the people are awesome.”

Bridget O. began volunteering at BCH with the Canine Corps in 2023 after her experience with cancer changed how she views health care. “It’s not just about treatment—it’s about the little things that help you get through each day. For me, those moments of comfort made a real difference in my recovery.”

Bridget serves as the Canine Corps Team Lead, and volunteers with her therapy dog, Patches, visiting patients who are receiving care and their families. “Volunteering with my therapy dog feels like a way to give that back and support others in a way that goes beyond medicine.”

“To anyone considering volunteering at BCH,” says Bridget, “it can be one of the most meaningful things you do—but it’s not always easy. You’ll see people on some of the best and worst days of their lives, and that can be emotional. But at the same time, even small things—like helping someone find their way, sitting with a patient, or just being kind—can make a real difference.

Thank you to our BCH Volunteers

In 2025, volunteers served a total number of 36,294 hours across 48 BCH departments, 8 of whom were hired by BCH as part of our talented workforce. We are so grateful to the dedicated members of our Volunteer Services team who truly make a difference every day in the lives of our patients, their families, our staff and community. Learn more about the Canine Corps.