Volunteers
Become a Volunteer Today!
At Share Medical Center, our volunteers are an essential part of the care experience. They represent a wide range of ages and backgrounds- from high school students to retirees- and generously contribute their time, talent, and compassion to support our mission.
Volunteers serve across all three of our campuses- the hospital, the nursing home, and The Homestead- as well as in the community and, in some instances, from their own homes. Their service enhances the experience of our patients, residents, visitors, and staff, and helps us meet a variety of needs throughout the organization.
The Share Medical Center Foundation maintains records of all volunteer service hours and proudly hosts an annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet each April during National Volunteer Appreciation Month. This celebration allows us to recognize the extraordinary individuals who give so much of themselves to support our work.
All volunteers participate in an application and screening process, similar to that of our employees. This ensures appropriate placement and helps us maintain the safety and well‑being of those we serve.
Join Our Volunteer Team
If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back, we invite you to become a Share Medical Center volunteer. Your time and dedication can make a lasting impact on the lives of others-and on our community as a whole.
Dr. Ken Brown, Ph.D
A Pillar of SMC
Dr. Ken Brown, originally from Herkimer, a small town in upstate New York similar in size to Alva, has called northwest Oklahoma home for more than five decades.
A distinguished chemist, Dr. Brown earned his bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and mathematics from Hope College in 1960, followed by a Ph.D. in physical and inorganic chemistry from Rutgers University in 1966. He joined the faculty at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in August 1973, where he taught until his retirement in May 2004.
Since retiring, Dr. Brown has remained deeply committed to the Alva community. He volunteers four days a week at Share Medical Center, contributing his time and expertise to support patient care and hospital operations. He also serves on the boards of the Alva Hospital Authority and Northwest Family Services, helping guide decisions that strengthen healthcare and community wellness in our region.
In addition to his volunteer work at SMC, Dr. Brown has spent more than 20 summers working at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center- a role he began during his time at Northwestern and continues to enjoy. He also manages maintenance and operations for the historic Runnymede building in downtown Alva, preserving a cherished piece of local history.
For his countless hours of selfless service, Dr. Brown was honored as the Volunteer of the Year by the Alva Chamber of Commerce in 2017.
We are deeply grateful for Dr. Brown’s ongoing dedication, wisdom, and heart for our community. His example reminds us that service to others has no expiration date. Thank you, Dr. Brown, for everything you continue to give to Share Medical Center and Alva.
Questions?
Call: 580-327-2800