Greenville Reporter

The 2024 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards recognized several individuals and groups from ECU Health for their contributions to the community. Among the honorees were two volunteers from ECU Health Medical Center, a team member from ECU Health, and the volunteer team at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital. The award, established in 1979, acknowledges significant contributions made through volunteer service by individuals or groups across public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

Mary Hall, a senior services prevention coordinator at ECU Health with nearly 25 years of service, was one of the recipients. "My role at the hospital is in older adult health," she explained. "I do a lot of promotion around prevention, including with our falls prevention coalition, and I emphasize the importance of social and active engagement. This aligns with my volunteer work, too."

Hall's involvement with various councils and taskforces aimed at serving seniors led to her recognition as an award winner. Her work with the Pitt-Greenville Senior Games was particularly noted. "I started by volunteering at the spring Senior Games," Hall said. She later took on responsibilities at the fall Senior Games state three-on-three basketball tournament in Greenville as a scorekeeper or time clock keeper before becoming a volunteer coordinator.

Hall emphasized that volunteering complements her professional focus on promoting active lifestyles among seniors. "When you retire, you can’t just sit," she stated. She highlighted how activities like sports or arts offer opportunities for participation regardless of athletic ability and foster social connections among seniors.

While honored by the award, Hall expressed that her motivation lies beyond recognition. "Volunteering is an obligation we as citizens have to give back to our communities," she said. She believes it provides satisfaction and purpose both for herself and those she serves.