Congratulations to Michelle Pink, Sara Barnes and Gina Gullickson. April is National Volunteer Month. At the April 4 Freeborn County Commissioners meeting, the Freeborn County Wellness Committee recognized these three Freeborn County employees for their volunteer work in our community. This is the first year of this program. Volunteering impacts overall health and wellness, which is why the wellness committee decided to start this award program where coworkers nominate each other. According to a 2013 UnitedHealth Group study on health and volunteering, volunteers say that 1) they feel better — physically, mentally, emotionally; 2) volunteering helps them manage and lower their stress levels; 3) they feel a deeper connection to communities and to others; and 4) they are more informed health care consumers and are more engaged and involved in taking care of their health. We are proud of our three winners, Michelle, Sara and Gina. Thank you for being volunteers and for your time and dedication to others.

Alice Englin

coordinator

Statewide Health
Improvement Partnership

Freeborn County Public Health