Allina Health requests hospice care volunteers as nationwide shortage continues

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (Jan. 11, 2023) – Organizations across the country experienced a volunteer shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for many, those numbers have not rebounded. In 2018, 576 people served as Allina Health hospice volunteers in the Twin Cities metro area. Now, the number is down to 220. As we begin 2023, Allina Health is working to remind people about the benefits of volunteering.

Julie Herrmann is a hairstylist who has served as a hospice volunteer since 1996. She provides free hair care services at J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice in Brooklyn Park.  

“It is a great honor to serve people,” said Herrmann. “We often have meaningful conversations while people are getting their hair done, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a comforting, listening ear. They typically leave my chair feeling good, and I take pride in that. The atmosphere at Wedum is quiet, serene and loving, and I value my experience with those staying here, their families, as well as the employees and volunteers.”  

Volunteers are essential to hospice care. The 1982 Hospice Medicare Benefit requires volunteers to make up 5% of all hospice providers’ total patient hours.

“There are many ways to serve people facing end of life, as well as support their families and caregivers. We have volunteers who provide office support, companionship, meal preparation, therapy dog visits and more,” said Jessica Hamel, director, Volunteer Services at Allina Health. “Research shows volunteering has both physical and mental benefits for the volunteer, which is crucial as people continue to prioritize mental health and social connectedness in the wake of the isolation that came with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Allina Health hospice volunteers support patients living in 33 Minnesota counties. Hospice volunteers go to the patients which may include private homes, nursing homes or Allina Health’s two hospice facilities: J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice in Brooklyn Park and Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna.

Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.  

At the forefront of Allina Health’s mission are its Institutes, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:  

• Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research, and care delivery through clinical trials, publications, and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report.  
• Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations – including its three largest hospitals which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties.  
• Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute – Offering advanced neurological and spine care, including two nationally accredited stroke centers, innovative focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's and a chronic pain rehabilitation program – one of only two in Minnesota.  

Together, these Institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.