CommunityHealth shines the Volunteer Spotlight on Tristan during October.
In late 2025, Tristan started his time with CommunityHealth at a crucial moment for the clinic. As we rapidly expanded the Clinic Greeter volunteer role, we doubled the need for volunteer coverage at our entrance. Meeting this challenge required an extraordinary commitment from many of our volunteers, and Tristan consistently stepped up. He regularly dedicated full 8-hour shifts, often multiple days each week, helping ensure a welcoming experience for patients and visitors. Whether covering last-minute shifts, assisting with equipment moves to our new site, or helping troubleshoot challenges as we refined the Clinic Greeter role and workflow, he continually goes above and beyond.
As the clinic adapted to new security expectations and operational changes, Tristan remained a steady and positive presence. He consistently offered thoughtful solutions, embraced new responsibilities, and approached challenges with patience and adaptability. Even during stressful moments, his sense of humor and uplifting attitude bring levity to the room and remind those around him to stay optimistic. One staff member affectionately referred to Tristan as our “guardian angel at the door,”. Staff frequently share comments from patients who appreciate seeing Tristan at the main entrance, welcoming visitors and helping them feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. His commitment embodies the spirit of CommunityHealth, and his impact is felt by staff, volunteers, and patients alike.
For his dedicated volunteer service, Tristan was awarded 2025 Clinic Greeter Volunteer of the Year at the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Awards.
CommunityHealth sat down with Tristan to learn more about what quality health care for all means to him…
Why and how did you begin volunteering at CommunityHealth?
I wanted to apply to medical school and needed clinical volunteering. I applied to every clinic in the area from the list on Google. Not a single one got back to me. All hope seemed lost until a heroic email from CommunityHealth’s Volunteer Coordinator changed everything.
Do you remember your first day? What surprised you
I do. I was surprised that many people were also pre-med and were volunteering years before applying.
What is something you’ve learned from volunteering at CommunityHealth?
I learned that volunteering, particularly in places like CommunityHealth, selects for people of particular personalities. The people that show up tend to be very kind hearted and committed to helping those in need. I also got to see what one type of health clinic looks like from the inside, as opposed to just from a patient’s perspective.
How has working with CommunityHealth influenced your perception of healthcare?
Healthcare can come in many forms. I think the more community oriented small clinic form can be really special because it promotes a community-wide approach to helping look after people’s health. There is a common mission which gives people common purpose. This contrasts very starkly with the more impersonal hospital type environment.
What does being a healthcare professional mean to you?
Being a healthcare professional, to me, is a lifestyle in addition to a profession. It involves being a role model to others, an educator when appropriate, and someone that helps out whenever possible. It requires a great deal but is rewarding in a very profound way.
What has kept you volunteering all this time?
I am pretty busy these days, so I can only make an appearance on occasion. When I see an emergency email requesting a greeter volunteer during a shift that I am able to fulfill, I slide on over. Always nice to see the gang.
Outside of volunteering with CommunityHealth, how do you like to spend your free time?
Left to my own devices, I usually find myself reading or listening to science, history, philosophy, psychology, news and politics, or other such content. That is what I tend to like doing.
