Submitted by Mason Health
Starting July 1, 2025, Mason Health Volunteer Services is proudly launching the No One Dies Alone (NODA) volunteer program. It is a compassionate, hospital-based initiative designed to provide presence and comfort to patients receiving end-of-life care who would otherwise be alone.
The NODA program trains dedicated volunteers and employees to sit vigil with patients in the Medical-Surgical-Pediatrics (MSP), Emergency Department and Intensive Care Units during their final moments. By offering a calm, compassionate presence, volunteers give patients the comfort of having someone with them if their loved ones are unable to be by their side.
“It is so very reassuring for out-of-town family members to learn that there is a program in place to make sure their loved ones won’t be alone during the end-of-life processes,” said Doug Peterson, a Volunteer Chaplain and Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church. “That peace of mind is invaluable.”
The NODA program was spearheaded by Peterson and Iris Hilburger, CNA, Mason Health’s former Volunteer Coordinator and current Certified Nursing Assistant in the MSP unit at Mason General Hospital. Their efforts throughout 2024 included careful planning, research into existing NODA volunteer models and the coordination of key hospital and community stakeholders. Their vision was simple yet profound: to ensure that no one in our care faces death in isolation.
“I feel a deep calling to be present with patients during their final transition,” said Verity Adams, Lead NODA Volunteer. “Through my time as a clinic volunteer, I’ve learned the importance of meeting people where they are, offering empathy without judgement. As Lead NODA Volunteer, I strive to bring that same compassionate presence to those without loved ones in their final moments.”
Originally, the NODA program was developed at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon. It has since been adopted by hospitals across the country. The launch of the NODA program at Mason Health supports the District’s Vision to provide the best patient-centered care in the Pacific Northwest.
“This program helps provide the full spectrum of care for our patients,” said Kim Lutey, Volunteer Program Specialist. “Health care includes all parts of the individual throughout all parts of their lives. This program will embody our hospital’s mission, vision and values through honoring our patient’s dignity during their final hours.”
NODA volunteers receive specialized training in active listening, emotional presence and companionship. Trainings for 2025 are complete and will re-open in spring 2026.
Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County is ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. The Board of Hospital District Commissioners are Don Welander, President, Darrin Moody, Secretary, and Lori Brady, Trustee. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR Certified and Mason Health is the recipient of one Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award, three Partner for Change Awards, two Greening the Operating Room Awards, the Making Medicine Mercury Free Award and the 2025 Emerald Award. To learn more about Mason Health’s sustainability efforts, visit the Mason Health website. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit the Mason Health website. To learn more about DNV, visit the DNV website.
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