Hosparus Health of Central Kentucky is in need of patient support volunteers in Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue and Meade counties, as well as volunteers to work in its Elizabethtown Thrift Shoppe. The nonprofit hospice and palliative care organization will offer free training for both types of volunteers in May at its Elizabethtown office, 105 Diecks Drive.

Thrift Shoppe training will be held Tuesday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Patient support training will be offered on Tuesday, May 22, and Wednesday, May 23, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. (participants must attend both nights).

Patient/family support volunteers provide companionship to patients and respite for their caregivers. Working closely with the rest of the Hosparus Health care team, volunteers provide comfort and enhance quality of life during a very difficult time for patients and families. Thrift Shoppe volunteers help with receiving, sorting and pricing donations; placing and straightening items on the sales floor; and assisting customers.

Volunteers must be in good health, have available transportation and complete a screening, training and application process. All volunteers also must receive an annual flu shot, and those working directly with patients must receive an annual TB test. Both are provided by Hosparus Health.

Registration is required prior to each session. To register, contact Annette Jones at 270-737-6300 or ajones@hosparus.org. These trainings will be offered again throughout the year. Please call to obtain a volunteer application and inquire about future dates.