Woman’s desire to help overcame her fear of being a Volunteer Observation Specialist

Woman’s desire to help overcame her fear of being a Volunteer Observation Specialist

BY BARBARA ANNE GREENE 

Meredith Winters wasn’t sure she had the fortitude or courage to become a Volunteer Observation Specialist (VOS). Yet when she saw an ad in the paper about VOS training, she knew she had to become one. 

She explained, “Experiences in my family and other people that I love helped me understand it is important to have a good support system. My desire to help was stronger than my fear.”   

Winters wondered how she would handle the stress of someone in crisis. Would it affect her, would it trigger her, etc.  Instead, it opened her heart. She encourages others to sign up and to not be afraid. 

 Winters took the VOS class, offered through Big Horn County Prevention, which trains community members to provide compassionate observation and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. One thing she learned was that the county does not have a place to house people who are in danger of hurting themselves or the public. They are put in a jail cell. 

“That is the last place they need to be,” she commented. 

A VOS is trained to sit with a person in a hospital until they can be discharged. This frees up the hospital staff to go about with their normal duties. 

“You are not there to council. You’re just making sure they are safe. If the person wants to talk with you, you do it,” Winters said. 

 She added that is it ok to ask when you see anyone struggling, “Are you thinking about suicide?”   There is a misconception that by asking that question, you are putting the idea in their head. That is just not true. 

 If a VOS is needed, a text is sent to the trained observers. They text back if they are available and for how long. Winters is concerned that there are not enough observers. There were only two in the class she took. She knows that need is much greater. 

County Prevention Coordinator Travis Sylvester said, “The beauty of the program is that it relies on everyday people from all walks of life to make it run. The challenge, however, is that it is only successful when we have enough trained VOS volunteers to be operational and ready to respond when someone is in crisis. From the coalition perspective, I would say there has been a significant investment of time and energy into rebuilding this amazing program. The VOS program really just ‘makes sense.’ It helps reduce costs, limits staff burnout, and most importantly, provides people in crisis with a safe and supported environment to heal and get back to baseline.” 

Historically, there have been more volunteers from the north end of the county, though the classes are offered at both ends. Those taking the 3.5-hour training receive a $50 stipend. Trained VOS will receive $18 an hour per shift. 

For Winters, it isn’t about the pay. It is about making a difference in lives. She knows there are others out there they are hesitant to become a VOS because of possible commitment.  She added that becoming a VOS doesn’t mean you have to respond and commit every time there is a request. 

“It is ok to say you can’t help this time,” Winters said.  

To learn more and to register, go to bhc prevention.com/vos. You may also call either hospital in the county to register. The next class is in Lovell on April 18.