April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month and nowhere do these selfless individuals work harder than in the High Country.

Last year within the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System’s three hospitals– Blowing Rock Hospital, Cannon Memorial Hospital and Watauga Medical Center – nearly 300 volunteers provided over 32,000 hours of free services that equated to a monetary value of  $279,589.

Each of these individuals lives out the motto of the ARHS program: Volunteers Bring a Mountain of Better Todays.

Whether the volunteers provide needed equipment and services to the healthcare facilities and the patients they serve through fundraising efforts, or simply push the juice carts down the corridors with a smile, their assistance makes a world of difference, says Sallie J. Woodring, Director of Volunteer Services/Career Pathways at ARHS.

As a group and as individuals, several have been recognized both locally and state-wide for their services to their fellowmen.   

All About Women of the High Country salutes these and other volunteers who give so freely of their time and talents to make our world a better place to be.