December 8, 2020

More Than 100 Pandemic Front-Line Volunteers to Be Recognized for Over 15,000 Hours of Community Service

(SALT LAKE COUNTY)—The Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCoHD) is proud to recognize over 100 volunteers for their cumulative 15,000 hours of dedicated community service during the ongoing pandemic.

The volunteers assist in various areas across SLCo’s COVID-19 response—from setting up drive-thru testing events and directing traffic, to collecting patient information and providing medical support—and have truly stepped up and answered the call.

“Utah is known as one of the most volunteer-oriented states in the nation,” said Gary Edwards, SLCoHD executive director, “and we couldn’t have provided the volume of testing we have without these generous individuals contributing their time and talents.”

Many of the volunteers are students whose studies were interrupted due to the pandemic. Students from the University of Utah, Westminster College, Ameritech College of Healthcare, Salt Lake Community College, Weber State University, Southern Utah University and Rocky Vista University have all assisted SLCoHD in recent months.

Many of the student volunteers providing medical support are Ameritech students completing their capstone hours through the Salt Lake County Medical Reserve Corps (SLCoMRC)—a national network of local volunteer units who engage their local communities to strengthen public health, reduce vulnerability, build resilience and improve preparedness, response and recovery capabilities.

“It’s times like these where I’m truly astounded, I get to wake up every day and make the world a better place by being a nurse,” said Seth Christensen, Ameritech College graduate. “I’m extremely grateful that Ameritech gave me the education and skills I needed while Salt Lake County presented me with the opportunity to apply them in a way I never imagined. Being a part of this team and fighting this pandemic has been the most amazing experience of my life.”

Media are invited to attend the virtual “thank you” event recognizing the volunteers tomorrow, Wednesday, December 9, from 9–10:30 a.m. via WebEx (award presentation from 9:10–9:30a.m.), where they will receive the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and the Lt. Governor’s Volunteer Recognition Certificate.