South County Health recently celebrated the dedication and generosity of its volunteers at the annual Volunteer Recognition event. The evening highlighted the incredible impact volunteers have on the hospital and the broader community, honoring individuals for their exceptional service, milestones, and commitment to supporting patients, staff, and hospital programs.

Aaron Robinson, President and CEO, addressed attendees and joined in presenting awards, including the inaugural South County Health Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Two volunteers reached an extraordinary milestone of 4,000 service hours: Nancy Perry and Mike Fortin. While Mike could not attend, Nancy was honored during the ceremony.

The highlight of the evening was the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award, presented to Roni Trammell. Since 2016, Roni has contributed more than 3,000 hours to the Gift Shop and also supports the Hospital Auxiliary’s annual Fashion Show. Her peers praised her for being “conscientious, committed, flexible, artistic, and definitely a team player,” and for her invaluable contributions to the hospital and community.

Other notable volunteer milestones included:

• Jean Vican: Most hours served at 8,215
• Pat Williams-Dernavich: Longest-serving volunteer with 28 years of dedication
• 12 volunteers with more than 20 years of service: 
  o    John Bell
  o    Margaret Bell
  o    Rod Dernavich
  o    Pat Williams-Dernavich
  o    Linda Gadrel 
  o    Karen Grace 
  o    Anne Marie Guy
  o    Anne Liberman 
  o    Ron Loughlin
  o    Lee Whicher 
  o    Judith Williams
  o    Jean Vican 

Volunteers collectively served 21,902 hours in FY25, representing an in-kind contribution valued at $328,530 (based on Rhode Island’s 2025 minimum wage of $15/hour).

Patients and staff echoed the gratitude for volunteers’ impact, as seen in these patient testimonials:

“From the doctors to the volunteers and everyone in between, the BEST health care facility I have ever been to—Thank you!!!”

“I have never seen a hospital so well run, clean, and caring. The volunteer staff were all so knowledgeable and felt genuinely happy to all be there working.”

South County Health extends heartfelt thanks to all volunteers for their dedication, energy, and generosity—truly the light of the organization.

Learn more: Volunteering