Oskaloosa residents, Vicki Koger, Roger Johannes, Linda Oetjen  and Marion Vos received the 2015 Iowa Governor’s Award on July 10 for their selfless contributions to Mahaska Health Partnership.

According to MHP Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt, criteria for selection included exceptional commitment to volunteerism, exemplary leadership, creativity, cooperation and work in their service to others. The program provides Iowa nonprofit, charitable and government organizations a way to honor their cherished volunteers with prestigious, state-level recognition.

Koger began volunteering at MHP in May 2010, along with her pet therapy dogs, Yeager and Lacey. The trio frequently visits the Hospice Serenity House, Inpatient Services and Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry.

Johannes has been a volunteer at MHP for over six years. He currently serves as a Surgery Liaison, while also dedicating some of his time at the Hospice Serenity House. According to Langfitt, Johannes is an exceptional role model to other volunteers.

Oetjen joined MHP in 2011. She is currently serving as a Surgery Liaison every Thursday.

Vos began his volunteer career in 2010, working as a greeter while also helping his wife, Dorothy, with gift shop duties. Though his wife has retired from her role in Whispering Tree Gifts, Marion continues to greet guests at entrance four.

Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt and SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) Counselor Shirley Vore also accepted an award on behalf of MHP for the SHIIP Program, which has been offered on campus for 15 years. SHIIP Counselors are specially trained to help individuals with Medicare benefits. Vore has devoted many hours to counseling individuals about their benefit options on the MHP campus, with Langfitt assisting with scheduling appointments.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Mahaska Health Partnership, call Langfitt at 641.672.3342 or visit mahaskahealth.org and click “Become a Volunteer” under the “Careers” tab.