Perth County - The Perth District Health Unit is celebrating National Volunteer Week from April 10 to 16, 2011. Volunteers are essential to the Health Unit as they support many different programs.

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2011 is Volunteers: Passion. Action. Impact. National Volunteer Week is a week-long celebration whereby registered charities, not-for-profit organizations and volunteer centres from all across Canada pause to recognize and thank their volunteers.

“Here at the Health Unit we are fortunate to have so many different volunteers share their time and skills in beneficial ways,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Acting Medical Officer of Health. “We are grateful for the ways in which each of our volunteers contributes to our mission of promoting health, protecting health, and preventing disease in Perth County.”

A few of the many services that our invaluable volunteers provide include:

• Helping at community events and school events, health fairs, clinics, workshops or during a public health emergency.
• Helping with general administrative tasks
• Putting together information packages and materials for the public.
• Delivering posters and information packages throughout the County
• Mentoring students in our school-based Teen Esteem and Elements Programs

For more information about the Health Unit’s volunteer program, call the Volunteer Coordinator at 519-271-7600 ext 305 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 305. Or visit www.pdhu.on.ca and click on “About Us” – “Volunteer Opportunities”.