KH . ORG 17 APriceless Presence By Caiti Bobbitt They can be seen in royal blue jackets and vests all throughout Kootenai Health, often with smiles on their faces and a job to do. They are the volunteers of Kootenai Health, and their contribution to the organization is priceless. Each year, the Idaho Hospital Association recognizes one outstanding adult and one youth volunteer in the state for the work they do at their respective hospitals. Kootenai Health volunteers received both the adult and junior volunteer awards for 2022. These awards recognize individuals who excel in areas such as patient services, community service and leadership. JuniorVolunteer of theYear for 2022 Gracyn Kautzman was awarded the Junior Volunteer of the Year Scholarship Award. Now in college at the University of Arizona, she volunteered at Kootenai Health throughout her high school years as a way to get closer to her goal of one day working in medicine. “She positively impacted and inspired everyone she came into contact with,” said Renee Langue, Kootenai Health Volunteer Services manager. “She was outstanding and highly committed.” Gracyn credits her time at Kootenai Health with contributing to her personal growth, saying it has been an integral part of shaping her into the person she is today. “I am very honored to receive this award because I think it is important to show others what it means to be a volunteer and how influential one’s presence can be to others,” Gracyn said. LOVE—Leader of Volunteer ExcellenceAward for 2022 Rio Setty became a Kootenai Health volunteer after the great care her mother received when she was hospitalized in 2005. Since then, Rio has become a familiar face to employees and Kootenai Health patients. When it was time to nominate recipients for the LOVE—Leader of Volunteer Excellence Award for 2022, Rio was an obvious choice. “Rio’s generous and compassionate spirit, combined with the leadership she unfailingly provides, made her the ideal candidate,” said Renee. Rio is an integral part of the volunteer program at Kootenai Health. She volunteered throughout the pandemic, including at the COVID-19 vaccine clinics. She is currently on the Volunteer Steering Committee Executive Board and is chairwoman of Kootenai Health’s Clothing Closet, a resource for patients who are in need of clothes when they leave the hospital. Despite dedicating so much time to the organization, she is adamant that there are many other Kootenai Health volunteers who deserve to be recognized. “I was really surprised when they told me I had won, and I thought it was wonderful,” said Rio. “Not because I’m getting the award, but because it feels like Kootenai is getting recognized—and I just love Kootenai Health.” Gracyn Kautzman Become a volunteer If you would like information about how to help out at Kootenai Health, please visit KH.org/volunteer-services.
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