During Volunteer Appreciation Month, Premier Community HealthCare is proud to recognize the people who give their time, energy and heart to support its mission.
One of those volunteers is Tonya Maple, who has supported Premier for the past three years. She has helped at major events, served on planning teams and co-chaired Premier’s Advisory Council. Through each role, she has become a strong advocate for Premier and the community it serves.
Maple, right, often volunteers at the check-in table at Premier Community Healthcare Events.
A Connection to Premier’s Mission
Maple first connected with Premier after attending one of Premier’s largest fundraising event, the Community Impact Breakfast. It was there where she heard a patient’s testimonial about how Premier had changed their life.
“I was so impacted by the patient story and by hearing about the work Premier was doing in the community,” she said. “They’re really helping address health disparities and fill in those gaps for patients, whether they have insurance, are underinsured or don’t have any insurance at all.”
Premier’s mission resonated with Maple, who holds a master’s degree in public health and cares about health equity, reducing disparities and addressing social determinants of health.
“What stood out to me was how Premier meets people where they are,” she said. “I remember thinking, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for as a way to make a difference locally.”
Maple attends the 4th Annual Community Impact Breakfast, one of Premier’s largest fundraisers of the year to raise money for the Care Fund.
Finding Meaning in Patient Stories
Since then, Tonya has supported a variety of Premier initiatives. She has volunteered at Community Impact Breakfast and Runway for Hope, often helping at the check-in table while also serving on the planning team for both events. She has also volunteered at community events at Hudson High School, including back-to-school events that connects families with physicals, school supplies and other essential resources.
For Maple, the most meaningful part of volunteering always comes back to the people.
“It’s always the patient stories for me,” she said. “At every event, I look forward to hearing Premier is impacting patients in the community. That’s always my favorite part.”
One story in particular has stayed with her since that first Community Impact Breakfast. She recalled hearing from a woman who was new to the area, pregnant and without insurance or an established healthcare provider. The story made a lasting impression.
“I tried to put myself in her shoes,” Maple said. “Being a new mom, not knowing anybody, not having insurance and wondering how you’re going to do this. Knowing Premier stepped in, helped her see the same provider throughout her pregnancy and supported her through a healthy outcome was incredibly touching.”
I remember thinking, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for as a way to make a difference locally.
Serving Through Events and the Advisory Council
That connection to Premier’s mission is one reason Maple believes volunteers play such an important role in the organization’s work.
“Volunteers are a huge part of it,” she said. “We need people out in the community, helping at events, answering questions, sharing information and letting people know that Premier is an option for quality healthcare.”
In addition to event volunteering, Maple also serves on Premier’s Advisory Council, which brings together community members to share ideas, offer feedback and help the organization think through what will resonate with the people it serves.
“The Advisory Council is really about advising and helping shape strategy from a community perspective,” she said. “It’s about asking what more we can do for patients, what will resonate with the community and how we can help Premier continue making an impact.”
Maple takes a picture with Dr. Flossy, Premier’s Pediatric Dental Mascot, last year at the Back to School Health and Wellness event at Hudson Academy.
Why Volunteers Matter
When asked what she would say to someone considering volunteering with Premier, Maple’s advice was simple: “start by learning more.”
“I’d say start with a tour, get to know the organization and then volunteer for one event,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment. You can volunteer as your schedule allows, and even one experience can really open your eyes to the need in the community and the impact Premier is making.”
She also believes volunteering gives people a broader perspective on the challenges many families face and the importance of community partnership in meeting those needs.
“The need is overwhelming,” she said. “But you also see what’s possible when organizations come together to help fill those gaps.”
A Meaningful Way to Give Back
Being recognized during Volunteer Appreciation Month, she said, is both humbling and meaningful.
“It’s a real honor,” Maple said. “I think it’s always important to thank people who are giving their time. Everyone is busy, and when someone chooses to spend their free time helping others, that deserves appreciation.”
Premier Community HealthCare is grateful for volunteers like Tonya Maple, whose compassion, leadership and commitment help strengthen the connection between Premier and the community every day.
Are you Interested in volunteer opportunities at Premier Community HealthCare?
Learn more about how you can get involved and help support healthier communities across Pasco and Hernando counties by contacting us at [email protected]