HEALTAHR TCARE
Life-Changing
Support for
Others and You
By Rafael J. Sciullo
Rafael J. Sciullo
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
| TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 137
We talk a lot about volunteers
at Empath Health, which
makes sense when you
consider they are the heart
and soul of everything we do. The work of
our volunteers makes a direct and lasting
impact on our communities, providing
essential support to those we serve, their
families and our staff.
Approximately 25% of Americans
volunteer their time in an organization
each year. Not only does this time account
for an estimated value in the billions of
dollars, the benefits to the volunteers
are numerous too. Recent studies show
people who volunteer regularly have
healthier hearts, less chronic pain, and
strengthened immune systems. They
fight addiction better and are less likely
to get dementia as they grow older. They
also tend to live longer.
Stephen G. Post, PhD, author of The
Hidden Gifts of Helping says, “We have
begun to discover that there is something
going on physiologically in this process
of helping others that makes people not
only feel happier, but also report greater
health.”
These health benefits are in addition
to the social satisfaction that comes from
being actively involved with other people
while participating in activities that
strengthen local communities, making new
friends and possibly learning new skills.
As an Empath Health volunteer, you
Another great thing about volunteering
is the people you meet along the way. In
addition to the many general areas of
opportunity, we are so fortunate at Empath
Health to have a robust Teen Volunteer
Program and a dedicated Veteran’s
Program where we match volunteers
who are veterans to support our patients
who are veterans in a variety of ways.
With the breadth and depth of volunteer
opportunities at Empath Health, you will
find yourself working alongside people of
every age, background and life experience.
You too can help us fulfill our mission of
offering compassion through extraordinary
care, hope through innovative services
and inspiration through endless
encouragement. And you can reap the
numerous benefits to your mind, body
and soul in the process.
For more information on how to
volunteer with Empath Health, visit us at
EmpathHealth.org or call (727) 523-3440. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Rafael J. Sciullo is
president and CEO of Empath Health, a
nonprofit integrated network of care for
those affected by chronic or advanced illness.
For more information about services, call
(727) 467-7423 or visit EmpathHealth.org.
have the chance to truly make a difference
in the lives of others by providing lifechanging
support to our patients, family
members, clients, participants and staff.
Our nonprofit network of care includes
hospice services, all-inclusive care and
daycare for seniors, home health care, HIV
services and support, and advance care
planning. Each of these service areas offers
many environments where your time and
talents can make a difference. Support is
needed in all areas from direct patient care
to answering phones – and everything
in-between. We have opportunities in:
helping with special events; working in
office settings; assisting at our Resale
Shoppes in various ways; providing patient
and family support; offering telephone
support; assisting with senior services,
pediatric services and HIV services – and
so much more.
/EmpathHealth.org
/EmpathHealth.org