A healthcare worker shares his experience volunteering full-time in COVID hotspots in the U.S. after having his Peace Corps term delayed by the coronavirus.

I graduated from Minnesota State University in 2016, not knowing what I wanted to do career-wise. I got a job at the Center for Homicide Research where I worked for 2 years.

When I got out of a 6 year long abusive relationship, I also lost my health insurance on my 26th birthday. This lead to my desire to work in healthcare. 

After my own difficulty navigating the healthcare system without insurance, I decided I wanted a total change in my life so I started applying for healthcare jobs around the country. I applied to be a health sector volunteer in the Peace Corps, and to a job in Pennsylvania.

When I was accepted for both positions, I moved to Pennsylvania and was excited to leave for the Peace Corps in April 2020. But then lockdown happened globally, and Peace Corps volunteers were evacuated.

I decided to make this my opportunity to make a difference in healthcare by volunteering 35 hours per week at a COVID-infected nursing home through the Medical Reserve Corps. I volunteer for the Red Cross on weekends, and I volunteer for the crisis text line at night. 

I’d love to share my experience as a full-time healthcare volunteer and future Peace Corps healthcare worker. Many of us have faced challenges in our own lives, and we are out there fighting for you today.

- Jeff Mathwig, full-time healthcare volunteer