Christiana Care’s Patient Relations Ambassadors — volunteers with special training and a special role in welcoming hospital patients — were honored at the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards, Oct. 6 at Dover Downs. The awards recognize the efforts of thousands of Delawareans who make positive contributions to society and inspire others to do the same.

“These volunteers recognize that it’s not about them. It’s about the people they serve,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “The people we honor not only illustrate the growing ethic of volunteerism in our state, but they contribute to a stronger and healthier Delaware.”

Launched in 2013, Christiana Care’s Patient Relations Ambassadors program established a new role for hospital ­volunteers in visiting patients within 48 hours of admission to offer a special welcome, and to provide an extra orientation, answer questions or just provide some friendly company for a little while.

More than 400 people attended the annual event sponsored by the Office of the Governor, Delaware Health and Social Services, the Division of State Service Centers, the State Office of Volunteerism, and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

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