Horizon Health volunteer program improves URVH patient outcomes
Over the past three months, Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) has received 310 patient visits through the “Meal Mates” volunteer program.
The program aims to increase or maintain patients’ food intake.
“Proper nutrition promotes healing and quicker recovery from illnesses,” said Shelly Hubbert, the Coordinator of Volunteer Resources for the Horizon Health Network.
Since April 1 of this year, Horizon has seen a total of 863 patients; 74 per cent of these patients are eating 50 per cent more.
The program has also seen 2,135 mealtime volunteer visits and 7,474 actions performed to help aid mealtime success.
Cloey Nason is one of many Meal Mates volunteers. The 17-year-old started in Oct. 2024 as the program’s original volunteer. She has logged 68 hours, as of Dec. 2, 2025, volunteering and training nine new volunteers.
“I had a group of friends that started volunteering in the Good Night program, and they said it was such a good commitment, just being able to go in and talk to people. So, I figured, okay, well, maybe this would be a good thing,” said Nason.
Nason had ‘an itch’ to help after seeing Facebook ads for the program, and the only way to scratch it was to sign up. Since starting at Meal Mates, Nason says she’s enjoyed seeing patients’ health improve, both physically and mentally.
“Once you go in every week, and you see their progress and everything, you definitely notice a big change. With patient lists changing and everything, you can tell people that have gotten the help and the nourishment that they need are going to a better place,” said Nason.
For most patients, having someone keep them company is enough to brighten their spirits. Nason says a lot of her patients like to be read to; it can help them get more food in and keep their minds off whatever is troubling them.
Hubbert says the program is not only very rewarding for patients but also for volunteers.
“I find with this program, it’s very rewarding for the patients, as Cloey mentioned, just to have that person there with them and the companionship, and just to know that someone’s going to be there to assist them so that they can eat their food.”
“But a lot of times the volunteers get more or just as much out of the program because of the benefits of what they’re doing, and it’s very rewarding for them,” said Hubbert.
After graduating from high school, Nason plans to study Human Kinetics and Physiotherapy. However, her dedication and love for Meal Mates won’t end when she heads to university. Nason says she plans to return and volunteer during her breaks.
Nason says this program has been a rewarding process and encourages others to volunteer.
“If you’re interested in doing something and you have free time, honestly, volunteering is something that looks good on all resumes, and it’s really worth your time. So, if you can do it, reach out and do it,” said Nason.
