Penn Highlands Mon Valley Leader Volunteers in the Community

Penn Highlands Healthcare leaders spend a large portion of their time ensuring that the people in the communities served have access to high quality healthcare. When their workday is over, on weekends and when they take PTO, many volunteer with diverse organizations to help those in need or to strengthen our communities.

Throughout the health system many leaders are involved with church, school and civic organizations. In Southwestern Pennsylvania, many organizations and people benefit from the service provided by leaders and employees at Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

Ruth Sepesky, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Penn Highlands Mon Valley, began volunteering at the Westmoreland Food Bank in Delmont, PA. On a Saturday morning, Ruth helped pack 1,650 boxes of food for distribution to Westmoreland County residents who meet certain criteria.

“I have been wanting to volunteer in the community and when my friend suggested the food bank, it seemed like an ideal fit for me,” explained Ruth. “There are so many people in need and I enjoy giving back to the community.”

Ruth also gives back to the patients at Penn Highlands Mon Valley. For the past 14 years, she has been championing a “Blankets for Patients” program. Each year, a group of employees collects new blankets — some very colorful. The blankets are then distributed by the group to inpatients on Christmas morning and to those in the Emergency Department throughout that day.

“We may have missed a year due to COVID-19, but we estimate that we distribute 100-120 blankets each Christmas and to date have presented patients with approximately 1,400 blankets for their comfort.”

Ruth begins collecting blankets in the fall for Christmas distribution. To learn more or to donate a blanket, contact Ruth at [email protected].