Blake Dempster started working at Salem Hospital in early 2025 as a general surgery certified nursing assistant. A few months later, he decided to volunteer at Salem Free Clinics.

“I really like their mission,” said Dempster. “I’m taking things that I’m learning there and applying them to the hospital and vice versa. I’m using this as a learning experience.”

Valuable learning experience

Dempster is currently finishing his bachelor’s degree and said the end goal is to become a physician associate. The CNA said this volunteer work is preparing him for that next step.

“I’m able to learn from vetted people at the clinics and work closely with physicians,” he said. “I learn about bedside manner and all sorts of stuff like that.”

Dempster said he does intake and rooming at Salem Free Clinics.

“I bring patients back and can help with an interpreter,” he said. “I talk with patients and learn why they’re there and will do a point of care test, like a blood glucose test. Just kind of depends on what they need. I do vital signs and then pass them on to a provider to do the rest.”

A rewarding connection

For Dempster, the experience is positive and rewarding. He said many of the patients at these clinics are low income and they appreciate learning more about health care.

“When we can’t take care of something, we’re able to refer patients to Salem Hospital for labs or prescriptions,” Dempster said. “Health care costs are expensive, so we want to minimize costs for underserved communities while giving them the care they need.”

As he connects with patients, the CNA said he learns from them as well.

“Patients can teach you about the gaps in public health education, and hearing their questions really opened my eyes,” Dempster said. “Watching the providers take time to educate and empower people has shown me how important that is.”

Dempster said volunteering also creates a sense of purpose.

“I feel like I have a calling to serve people, and I do really enjoy it,” he said. “Being able to give back has given a lot to me.”

How to volunteer

From providers to RNs, LPNs and CNAs, Salem Free Clinics is always looking for volunteers. Click here to learn more and give back now.