Munson Hospital Volunteer Logs 10,000th Hour in Emergency Department

Betty Plough has been volunteering at the hospital for over 20 years, providing essential support to staff and comfort to patients.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Betty Plough, a longtime volunteer at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan, has reached a remarkable milestone of 10,000 hours of service in the hospital's emergency department. Plough, who has been volunteering at the hospital since 2003, performs a variety of tasks to support the staff and provide comfort to patients, especially the youngest ones.

Why it matters

Plough's dedication and commitment to volunteering at the hospital for over two decades highlights the vital role that volunteers play in supporting the healthcare system. Her work in the emergency department helps to alleviate the burden on nurses and technicians, allowing them to focus more on patient care. Additionally, Plough's efforts to comfort and distract young patients during their hospital visits demonstrate the human touch that volunteers can provide.

The details

Plough began volunteering at Munson Medical Center around 2003, starting in the Regional Trauma Center before moving to Munson Manor and eventually settling into the emergency department. Three days a week, she works a paid job in the hospital's pathology lab, but her volunteer work in the ER fills a different need. Plough's duties range from transporting patients and running lab samples to cleaning rooms and keeping the blanket warmer stocked. She and her volunteer partner also purchase toys, like Hot Wheels cars and Barbie dolls, to hand out to frightened children waiting to be seen.

  • Plough began formally volunteering around 2003.
  • This week, Plough reached the milestone of 10,000 hours of volunteer service in the emergency department.

The players

Betty Plough

A longtime volunteer at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan, who has logged 10,000 hours of service in the hospital's emergency department.

Munson Medical Center

A hospital located in Traverse City, Michigan, where Plough has been volunteering for over 20 years.

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What they’re saying

“I've always liked the hospital atmosphere.”

— Betty Plough, Volunteer

“I like interacting with the patients and helping them and doing what I can to help the staff. That's what the volunteer part is for.”

— Betty Plough, Volunteer

“It just kind of relieves them a little bit. Even though it may not sound like much, to them, it's important.”

— Betty Plough, Volunteer

“When the little kids come in, of course, they're scared. We are able to give them each one of those to kind of distract them.”

— Betty Plough, Volunteer

“I think you feel you make a difference. I've had people tell me, 'Thank you for being here.' It just makes it so worthwhile. We might not feel like we're doing much of anything, but maybe to somebody we have. And that's all that matters.”

— Betty Plough, Volunteer

What’s next

Plough plans to continue her volunteer work at Munson Medical Center, providing essential support to the staff and comfort to patients in the emergency department.

The takeaway

Betty Plough's remarkable 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Munson Medical Center's emergency department highlights the vital role that volunteers play in supporting the healthcare system and providing compassionate care to patients, especially the most vulnerable. Her dedication and commitment to making a difference in her community serve as an inspiration for others to consider volunteering at their local hospitals.