Greek philosopher and writer Aesop wrote, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” That’s as true today as it was in 600 B.C.

At the MultiCare Clinic in Covington, there are many opportunities for such acts of kindness by people who volunteer for a variety of duties, including patient ambassadors and clinic support.

The clinic, whose medical services include urgent care, oncology, family practice and surgical facilities, serves the Covington, Maple Valley and Black Diamond areas.

Have you ever walked into a big hospital or medical center and been overwhelmed by all the different directions you can go? These places can be a labyrinth of confusing symbols, arrows and clinical names that look like alphabet soup. It is times like that you might wish there was someone who could just take you where you need to go.

MultiCare decided that’s what it needed – a patient ambassador, whose task is to greet patients and direct them “in a friendly, professional manner,” officials say.

“On a personal level, a patient ambassador is that first welcoming person with a bright smile that gives people the guidance they need to get to their destination,” said Chris Haywood, volunteer manager for MultiCare. “They’re often among the most visible during a patient’s visit.”

MultiCare officials say cancer patients have special needs – clinically, emotionally and socially. The Covington clinic’s Regional Cancer Center needs volunteers willing to go the extra mile to ensure the patients and their clinical caregivers are well-supported, such as when patients stay for extended periods due to chemotherapy or other treatment. From oncology clinical support volunteers, they can receive a warm blanket, snacks or just some friendly conversation to help pass the time.

Volunteers also clean and prepare exam rooms, help escort patients between treatments, and provide assistance with filing and keeping track of records.

Aesop’s words live on in the unique relationship between patients and volunteers, Haywood noted.

“Volunteers fulfill a vital clinical and psycho-social role in healthcare,” she said. “They bring a unique dimension of care to patients and make a huge difference in people’s lives. We rely on them to do important work in the lives of our patients.”

Volunteer positions are available in the clinic’s Urgent Care Center and in clinic support for pediatrics and family practice.