St. Charles County Department of Community
Health & The Environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2011

SCC HEALTH SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP PEOPLE, PETS

St. Charles County, Missouri – The recently released County Health Rankings cited community activity and support as one of the key reasons that St. Charles County placed at the top of Missouri’s healthiest counties.  During this week’s celebration of National Volunteer Week, the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment thanks those who have contributed over the past year and calls upon the community for continued involvement.

“This county is blessed with a population base that senses a need for community involvement and acts on that conviction,” Director Gil Copley said.  “With our population growing to become Missouri’s third largest county and the vast size of our responsibilities, community support plays a key role in our success.  Through assistance at our Pet Adoption Center, members of our emergency response support team, clinical internships, and more, our department received more than 5,000 hours of service last year.”

Volunteers play a crucial role in the daily operations of the department’s three divisions by assisting with staffing needs and contributing to successful operations.  Volunteers not only strengthen existing services, but they also contribute new ideas, skills and perspectives while increasing public awareness of services and facilities.  Here are two of the many volunteer opportunities available within the department:

• Tasked with protecting animals from inhumane treatment and placing adoptable animals in loving homes, the department’s Pet Adoption Center seeks individuals aged 18 or older to care for dogs and cats at the facility and to prepare potential families and pets for adoption.  Applicants must undergo an interview process and attend an orientation session prior to volunteering at the center.  For information on becoming a Pet Adoption Center volunteer, please call (636) 949-PETS or visit the Division of Humane Services section of www.scchealth.org.

• The department also seeks community support to assist in response to potential emergencies.  Those with medical expertise are especially critical, but assistance from those of all abilities is needed.  Emergency response volunteers will contribute on an as-needed basis and will undergo periodical trainings and updates to be prepared for a potential need.  If you or your organization would be interested in serving as a volunteer to aid in these efforts, please call (636) 949-7400 or email Joe Morin (jmorin@sccmo.org).

The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment is committed to the protection and enhancement of health and the quality of life for all members of our community.  For information on programs offered and to discover ways the Department assists our community, please visit www.scchealth.org or call 636-949-7400.

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