For the past two years, Patrick Johnson has been a familiar face at NMC Health – always on the move, always ready to help, and always quick with a smile or a kind word. A retired painting contractor from Newton, he spends 10-12 hours each week volunteering. But if you ask him, it never feels like work.
A day in the life of volunteering
On Tuesdays, you’ll find Patrick and his good friend Willis Heck making the rounds to every unit, checking hand sanitizer and soap dispensers to be sure they’re compliant and full. Along the way, they may stop for a quick visit with patients who are up for some friendly conversation.
Fridays bring a different task – processing outgoing mail and preparing it for shipment. And in between those duties, Patrick is always keeping an eye out for anything that needs doing, whether it’s picking up a stray piece of paper or helping staff with small tasks.
“I’m always looking for something to do,” he says. “I love this hospital, I love this work, and I want to go above and beyond whenever I can.”
Why he volunteers
Volunteering started after he met Suz, our former Volunteer Services director. “She kind of spread me out like peanut butter,” he laughs. “I liked the idea of volunteering here, so I went through the proper steps, and I’ve been here ever since.”
But at the heart of it, the reason is simple: people.
“I love people. I especially like people who other people might reject – because they need people, too. I see patients come in on crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and it reminds me why I’m here. Just to help, even in small ways.”
Making a difference
For Patrick, making a difference doesn’t always mean grand gestures. “If somebody comes within five feet of me, I speak to them. You never know – maybe they’re having a tough day, and a simple hello helps. It doesn’t hurt to stay connected with people you meet casually.”
Lessons learned
Volunteering has given him a deeper respect for patients and their struggles.
“When I see someone come through the door with a crutch or wheelchair, it reminds me to respect what they’re going through. And sometimes you only have a short window to connect, so you try to fill up that time with kindness.”
Life beyond volunteering
Outside the hospital, Patrick has been married to his wife for 25 years. He also serves as her caregiver, a responsibility he takes to heart. “Part of it is just because it’s the right thing to do,” he says.
Volunteering provides him with a sense of balance and renewal. “It’s a blessing to step away from caregiving, but it’s also a blessing to come home. My wife is glad I volunteer. She encourages it.”
Patrick's advice to others
“Do as much as you feel comfortable doing and don’t overdo it. But if you have time to spare, I’d recommend volunteering to anyone. You’ll be happy you did.”
And for those who know Patrick, it’s clear he practices what he preaches. As he puts it best: “I’m an entrepreneur of helping people get their day started right. A good morning, a hello, a little joke. It makes all the difference.”
