Hospice of Queen Anne’s is adding a 16-hour, Patient Care Volunteer Training program to its annual calendar due to the increasing number of requests for volunteer support for patients and families. The new training session will be held at the Hospice Center in Centreville on Feb. 26 and 28 and March 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Additional volunteer training sessions are scheduled for early summer and late fall 2013.

“With our growing patient census, we are finding we need more trained Patient Care Volunteers. And, with the addition of our new General Inpatient level of hospice care, which will be available in March, we will need even more help from our volunteers at the bedsides and in support positions,” said Courtney Williams, director of volunteer and professional services for Hospice of Queen Anne’s.

Individuals who are interested in providing care and support to hospice patients in the Hospice Center, private homes or assisted living facilities need to complete this 3-session training program. Registration forms must be received by Feb. 22 to be eligible for the training.

For those who want to help in the Grief Services Support program, volunteers must first complete the 16-hour Patient Care Volunteer Training program before taking the 4-hour Grief Services Support Volunteer or Vigil Volunteer Training.

“Volunteer opportunities with Hospice of Queen Anne’s abound, many of which do not require the completion of Patient Care Volunteer Training,” said Williams.

Whether you choose to serve on an event committee, make a presentation, organize mailings for bereaved families, or prepare patient meals in the Hospice Center, you are making a difference in someone’s life, including your own.

To register for Patient Care Volunteer Training, or explore other volunteer opportunities with Hospice of Queen Anne’s, go to hospiceofqueenannes.org and select “Volunteer.” You may download a volunteer application or contact Courtney Williams at 443-262-4112, email cwilliams@hospiceofqueenannes.org .