York Hospital Volunteer Rose LaRocca Receives State and National Service Awards

Rose LaRocca of Kittery was honored at York Hospital’s Volunteer Appreciation Event at Foster's Clambake and Catering on June 17, where she received two distinguished awards recognizing her extraordinary service and dedication to York Hospital patients and the community.

A volunteer for the past 10 years, Rose has contributed nearly 4,000 hours of service. Throughout that time, she has consistently gone above and beyond—not only through her own commitment, but by helping build and strengthen the Emergency Department Volunteer role. As volunteer lead, she embraced her role with enthusiasm and purpose, continually identifying new opportunities to expand volunteer responsibilities and enhance support for patients, families, and staff. Through her initiative, leadership, and unwavering dedication, she has helped shape a volunteer role that continues to make a meaningful impact every day.

In addition to leading the volunteer team, Rose provides shadow experiences for every new Emergency Department volunteer, helping them feel welcomed, prepared, and supported from their very first day. She is also trained in wheelchair assistance and helps prepare other volunteers for the role. Her mentorship and encouragement have strengthened the volunteer role and enriched the care experience for patients, families, and colleagues.

Left to right: Kate Ford, Director of Volunteers, Rose LaRocca, Hospital Volunteer,
Michelle Hennedy, Director of Nursing, Emergent Care.

In recognition of her exceptional service, Rose received two prestigious honors.

The first is the Governor's Award for Service and Volunteerism, which includes her induction into the Maine Volunteer Roll of Honor. This award recognizes volunteers across Maine who identify community needs and generously give their time and talent to address them. Rose's years of dedicated service and quiet leadership make her especially deserving of this honor.

Rose also received the National Service Honor for Exceptional Achievement in Community Service. This award celebrates not only the thousands of hours she has dedicated to serving others, but also the generosity, leadership, and compassion she brings to every interaction. She joins an outstanding group of volunteers across the country whose service creates lasting, meaningful change.

Volunteers play a vital role in supporting patients, families, and staff throughout York Hospital. Rose’s recognition demonstrates the remarkable difference one person can make.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at York Hospital, contact Director of Volunteer Services Kate Ford at (207) 351-2224 or kford@yorkhospital.com.