Volunteer Spotlight
Myrta Mathews, Volunteer Interpreter
For five years, Myrta has served as a volunteer interpreter at Centre Volunteers in Medicine, helping Spanish-speaking patients feel informed, supported, and understood throughout their healthcare experience.
Myrta assists with incoming telephone calls, accompanies patients to medical and dental visits when requested, and works closely with CVIM’s Case Management and medication assistance teams. Her role goes far beyond translation; she helps patients better understand diagnoses, treatment instructions, and available resources so they can confidently navigate their care.
Her path to volunteering at CVIM reflects a lifelong commitment to education and community health. “Volunteering means being helpful and giving back,” she says.
For Myrta, one of the greatest rewards of volunteering is the gratitude she sees every day and the satisfaction of helping others. “Patients are so thankful for the care.”
Myrta earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from the Universidad of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, a master’s degree in Community Health Education from the University of Massachusetts, and a Ph.D. in Health Education from Penn State. Before retiring, she spent more than two decades teaching at Penn State, including courses in Basic Spanish, Intermediate and Advanced Spanish for Students in Medical- Related Fields, and health education. Many of her students became inspired to continue outreach work beyond the classroom, participating in health-related experiences in Costa Rica and other communities.
Today, Myrta continues using those same skills to support patients at CVIM. One thing she wishes more people understood about CVIM is the wide range of services available to patients. “People often come in knowing about one service, but then find out we offer other support, like medication assistance, that can help them as well,” she says.
Volunteers like Myrta help ensure that patients receive more than healthcare. They find understanding, reassurance, and connection.
