Gundersen seeks Center for Violence Prevention & Intervention volunteers

The Center for Violence Prevention and Intervention at Gundersen Health System needs the public's help to fill several key roles to support patients and the community.

• Volunteer advocate – Advocates for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault provide advocacy, supportive listening, medical advocacy, law enforcement advocacy, and information and referrals to victims who present for emergency care. In this role, volunteers are "on-call" a couple of times per month; time frames can vary depending on volunteers' personal schedules. Advocates respond to either Gundersen Health System Emergency Services or Mayo Clinic Health System Emergency and Urgent Care Center, both in La Crosse. Training is provided, which includes 40 hours to meet advocate criteria for both Wisconsin and Minnesota patients. Training includes information about domestic violence and sexual assault, safety planning and legal information. A one-year time commitment is requested.
• Waiting room volunteer – The Center for Violence Prevention & Intervention recently moved its offices to Gundersen's La Crosse Campus and is seeking volunteers to be a presence in the waiting area. Volunteers can enrich the lives of people in our community who have experienced trauma by caring for patients and families in the waiting area, serving as a liaison to staff members and providing a calm and organized environment. Great communication and customer service skills are a plus. Multiple shifts are available throughout the day.

To learn more about either opportunity, please contact Gundersen Volunteer Services at (608) 775-3697.