Department of Health Commends Pennsylvania's Dedicated Volunteers, Recognizes 'National Volunteer Week'

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Health Secretary Everette James today recognized the tireless efforts of volunteers and encouraged all Pennsylvanians to become more active in their communities during National Volunteer Week, April 18-24.

"Volunteers play an essential role in ensuring Pennsylvania is ready to respond to large-scale disasters, whether natural or man-made," said James. "National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to thank our volunteers for generously sharing their time, energy and expertise to make our state a safer place."

The State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Pennsylvania, or SERVPA, is coordinated by the Department of Health and was created in response to a federal mandate to improve the nation's disaster response capability. SERVPA is a secure statewide database of pre-credentialed healthcare professionals and other non-medical individuals who are willing to volunteer to help should a disaster or public health emergency occur.

"Coordinating a public health and medical response during a disaster is a tremendous challenge," James added. "The best way to meet that challenge is to have a program in place, like SERVPA, that can identify and deploy registered, pre-credentialed volunteers."

Currently, there are more than 6,800 medical and non-medical volunteers registered in SERVPA. The ultimate goal of SERVPA is to engage volunteers in local emergency service and respond to requests for emergency assistance from other states.  

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 as an annual celebration of volunteering.

Pennsylvanians interested in registering to volunteer should visit www.serv.pa.gov.

Media contact: Stacy Kriedeman, 717-787-1783

Editor's Note: Text of Governor Rendell's Volunteer Week proclamation follows:

VOLUNTEER WEEK – April 18-24, 2010

"Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living."   – Albert Einstein

WHEREAS, the spirit of volunteerism has a rich history in Pennsylvania.  As we reflect upon our past, we remember the tireless efforts of men and women who have given of themselves and their time to create our present surroundings while helping us all work toward our future; and

WHEREAS, by putting the special needs and interests of others before their own, volunteers work to improve our world and the quality of life for those around them; and

WHEREAS, these selfless individuals receive rewards far greater than any monetary compensation. Their service, friendship and skills have made a difference in the lives of many people, and the personal satisfaction and fulfillment they feel as a result of their work is sometimes the only acknowledgement they receive; and

WHEREAS, across the commonwealth, Pennsylvanians are becoming active volunteers, making a difference in their communities.

THEREFORE, in special recognition of the importance of volunteers across Pennsylvania, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim April 18-24, 2010, VOLUNTEER WEEK in Pennsylvania.  I encourage all Pennsylvanians to join with me in honoring these outstanding individuals for their many achievements and generosity.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this thirtieth day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand and ten, and of the commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

EDWARD G. RENDELL, Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health