(Sept 10, 2009) - - Tomah, Wis.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any program, but an "end of life" care program that serves Monroe, Juneau and Adams counties is looking for people to make a difference in the lives of others.

According to Hospice Touch volunteer coordinator Dani Jackson it takes more than 60 volunteers to coordinate the Hospice Touch program at Tomah Memorial Hospital.

"We consider our volunteers to be part of our staff, and so what our trained staff, like our registered nurses and aides can’t do, sometimes the volunteers can pick up that - -like sitting with the patients, reading to a patient, helping at the office or helping with fundraisers," Jackson said.

She added that volunteer support allows for the little extra things that patients truly appreciate.

"For instance, if someone needs respite in the home, a volunteer can go and sit with the patient. At our Serenity House it means if our aides are very busy with patient care, we can have someone (volunteer) go in and help cook, help do laundry, help sit with a patient, read to the patient, write letters for the patient - -all these things are real helpful," Jackson explained.

Hospice Touch has scheduled a series of volunteer training sessions for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer.

The training will be held Oct. 6, 13 and 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hatch Public Library located at 111 West State St., Mauston.  (Download Flier)

"There’s not enough that we could ever say for the volunteers that we have," said Jackson. "But we’re always looking for volunteer staff".

Jackson says even if people cannot attend all the sessions, they are more than welcome to become a volunteer.

"We ask that they try to be at all three days, but if they are not able to, I can help train them, but it’s very critical for them to know what we’re doing as an organization so they understand what their role is when they go into a patient’s house, or into the Serenity House (in Tomah) or into our office".

Jackson said anyone interested in volunteer opportunities or for more information on the program, can contact her at Hospice Touch at (608)374-0250.

Tomah Memorial currently provides hospice services throughout Juneau, Adams and Monroe counties, with an office at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston, in Adams-Friendship, and in Tomah. Nearly 200 patients are cared for through Hospice Touch each year.