Improve Your Wellbeing & Longevity… Volunteer!

By Marianna Cutler

Whether you have a desire to help others in need, want to explore future job opportunities or are simply looking to fill some empty hours, volunteering is a gift that helps not only your community, but may just improve your wellbeing. A study by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that “those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.”

Brandywine Hospital has volunteer opportunities throughout the hospital campus for both teens, ages 14 and up and adults.  Areas that currently have volunteer opportunities include Human Resources, Emergency Department, Surgical Waiting, Information Desk, and more.

There’s scientific proof – giving of yourself, gives back
Volunteers at Brandywine Hospital enhance the services hospital staff provides patients, their families and guests. Several years ago, the Corporation for National and Community Service released a study that reviewed a collection of scientific research that revealed volunteers help themselves to better health while helping others. According to the report and its research:

• For adults age 65 and older, the positive effect of volunteering on physical and mental health is due to the personal sense of accomplishment an individual gains from volunteer activities.
• Volunteering led to lower rates of depression among people 65 and older.
• People who volunteered after experiencing heart attacks reported decreased feelings of despair and depression – two factors linked to mortality in post-coronary artery disease patients.
• “There is now a convergence of research leading to the conclusion that helping others makes people happier and healthier. So the word is out – it’s good to be good,” said Dr. Stephen Post, a professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and co-author of the book “Why Good Things Happen to Good People: The Exciting New Research That Proves the Link Between Doing Good and Living a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life.”

So, besides improving your health, why should you consider volunteering at Brandywine Hospital? Here are 10 top reasons:
#10  Make someone else’s day
By being the first person a patient or a guest sees when they come to the hospital or spending time with patients who may not have many visitors, a volunteer has the opportunity to provide comfort and compassion, as well as set the tone for a patient or guest’s experience while in the hospital.

#9  Have fun
When you volunteer doing something you love, the time will fly. And you’ll meet a variety of like-minded volunteers – soon-to-be friends.

#8  Satisfaction
It’s almost guaranteed that when you help others, you will enjoy a greater sense of self-worth.

#7  Explore career opportunities
Young adults volunteering have exposure to learn whether they’d like to pursue a medical career.

#6  Get off the couch
Volunteering gives you a reason to wake up and get motivated.

#5  Learn new skills
Young adults who volunteer will learn a great deal, and gain valuable experience. They can also include their service on their resume for future college applications and jobs.

#4  Fulfill graduation requirements
Fulfill course requirements while learning, meeting new friends and having fun!

#3  Make someone’s day
Your extra efforts to assist our healthcare team or help a patient or guest more comfortable can mean the world of difference to them.

#2  Become a part of a team
Experience the camaraderie of working with others on a common goal and sharing the reward of making a difference in another person’s life. Whether you’re a soon-to-be graduate, considering a career change, or enjoying retirement, volunteering with a team will enhance your life.

#1  You’ll be appreciated
At Brandywine Hospital, we love our volunteers! We respect their time and appreciate their giving of their talents.

To learn more or to have a volunteer application sent to you, call the Director of Volunteer Services, Marianna Cutler at

610-383-8171 or email [email protected]