Video: North MS Medical Center Honors Volunteer of the Year

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Volunteers play a vital role in any organization. But it’s especially true at the nation’s largest rural hospital group which deals with hundreds of patients and thousands of workers every day. Today, North Mississippi Medical Center paid tribute to one of those volunteers for her tireless commitment. WCBI’s Allie Martin was on hand for the big announcement this morning.

When NMMC’s Volunteer of the Year was announced during a reveal party at Healthworks! It took Mary Johnson a few seconds to realize that she was the honoree.

“I’m blown away about this, I was never expecting it.”

Johnson is part of nearly 200 volunteers at NMMC. She began volunteering nearly eight years ago after she retired from Hancock Fabrics.

“I soon found out that I couldn’t sit at home and do nothing, that’s not me, so I had to find something to do.”

Several people nominated Johnson and volunteer coordinator Carla Enis said all mentioned Johnson’s selfless spirit and willingness to tackle any chore.

“I’ve seen Mary in her finest clothes washing dishes, when all volunteers leave, she stays and takes care of things and helps clean up.”

In fact, after helping carry out supplies at the party, Johnson was at the hospital’s information desk, answering the phone and doing whatever else was needed.

She especially enjoys working at the front desk, where she gets to help patients and their families.

“You direct traffic, you tell them this and that, all kinds of things come up at the front desk, you never know what to expect. We see all the families come to the front desk, they usually have a story to tell, so we just listen and offer encouragement when we can.”

Winning NMMC’s Volunteer of the Year means a few more responsibilities for Johnson, but that won’t keep her from what she says is her calling.

“No, I won’t ever stop working and being in the community.”

In Tupelo I’m Allie Martin WCBI News

Johnson will travel to Jackson next month to represent NMMC as part of the Mississippi Hospital Association’s annual ceremony recognizing volunteers from member hospitals.