Get Healthy Carson City: Make a difference, volunteer

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, about three in 10 Americans volunteered in 2018. That is 77.3 million people donating their time, which is worth about $167 billion. While the national numbers seem large, there’s still a shortage of volunteers. In Nevada, only about 25 percent, or one in four people, volunteered last year. Volunteers donated 78 million hours of time, worth about $1.8 billion.

Volunteers make a huge difference. Volunteering is a great way to help those around you, but did you know you can improve your own life by being a volunteer? Helping others and volunteering can reduce stress, fight depression, keep your mind focused and provide a sense of purpose.

Are you ready to volunteer? Here are some tips to get you started:

Find your passion: Finding the right fit is important. Think about what matters most to you and how you can make a difference is a great step to finding the right volunteer opportunity.

Start small: Volunteering can be fun and exciting, but volunteering too much can become tiring. Start by volunteering about an hour or so a week and see how it makes you feel. Chances are, you’ll end up wanting to do more.

Volunteering helps you: Look at volunteering as a way to reduce stress and increase happiness, meet new people who share your interests, learn new skills, help your community and break up your routine.

Many organizations within the Carson City area are looking for volunteers. At Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS), we’re looking for volunteers to serve as part of the Western Nevada Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). This group is made up of both medical and non-medical volunteers who teach the community about how to prepare for emergencies and serve community members during disasters. Volunteers in this group serve Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties. To learn more about the MRC, visit https://mrc.hhs.gov/HomePage.

Many of our partner organizations in the area also are looking for volunteers to help with a variety of causes. Whether you love animals, want to work with children, enjoy spending time with seniors or want to lend a hand to those in need, there’s a place for you to volunteer. To be connected with other organizations in our area searching for volunteers, visit www.volunteermatch.org.

For information about services and programs available to you through Carson City Health and Human Services, visit our website at gethealthycarsoncity.org, “like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cchhs, follow us on Twitter at @CCHealthEd or call us at 775-887-2190. You can also find us at 900 E. Long St. in Carson City.