April 20 is Volunteer Recognition Day
- Dr. Karen Gedney
- Apr 20, 2021
- 1 min read
There are all different ways to be a volunteer, but few as gratifying as serving the underserved or forgotten like the incarcerated. At least that’s what I and many others have found out. I have to admit I never thought about the incarcerated until I became their doctor in 1987 and turned it into a career that lasted 30 years. Being their doctor at times was difficult and I don’t know if I would have stuck it out if it wasn’t for the opportunity in the evening to volunteer my time as a teacher. I taught life skills courses which I called HRR , ‘Health Related Recovery.’ The men who attended those classes appreciated what they learned and their interest and interaction in the class energized me. Taking care of chronic and end stage medical problems can be tiring, but to see the light go on in their eyes when they learned something new and had an ‘aha’ moment that could change the trajectory of their lives kept me coming back every week for years. What do you do as a volunteer and how has it affected you? If you haven’t volunteered, in what way would you like to volunteer? It is a great way to get out of your bubble, challenge yourself and be part of making society safer and more equitable.
Volunteering in underserved communities, such as teaching incarcerated individuals life skills, can be incredibly fulfilling. It provides an opportunity to make a lasting impact on others’ lives, as I experienced during my 30 years as a doctor and teacher. There were times when handling the medical aspects of care was draining, but teaching these men and seeing their “aha” moments was energizing. If you're juggling many tasks, like needing to Take my statistics class for me, volunteering could offer a meaningful balance, helping you grow personally while giving back to society. It’s a way to make a positive difference and broaden your perspective.