NATCHEZ — There’s no substitute for good medicine, but sometimes a smile just might be what someone needs to feel better.

And for the last six years, Rosie Layton has been giving out those smiles at Natchez Community Hospital.

Layton, 77, gives eight hours of her week to the hospital, serving as a greeter, delivering mail to physicians, picking up deliveries and even carrying trays to patient rooms.

She’s likely to be the first person to speak to you when you walk in the front door at the hospital, and if you’re in for a long stay, she might be the one who fetches you extra sugar for your coffee or a special drink.

Layton became involved as a volunteer after a friend told her it was a rewarding experience, and she said that’s definitely been the case.

“I get a chance to meet a lot of people, to interact with a lot of people,” she said. “Sometimes I can go in and say a kind word to a patient when I take them their tray, and I think that having a smiling face in their rooms can definitely make a difference.”

Layton was recognized as the most recent volunteer of the quarter at NCH, but she wasn’t planning to attend the meeting where she would be recognized. Finally, Volunteer Services Coordinator Renee Cantu told Layton another volunteer was going to be recognized and that she could come to support her friend.

“She was there, all smiles in support of her friend, and then we surprised her,” Cantu said.

“She is right there whenever you need a kind hug or a warm smile. She helps people in any way shape or form she can, and she is never downtrodden. She is always dressed to a T and always looks like she came out of the dressing room — she makes us all step out a notch because of what she does.”

Layton said she never expected the recognition.

“It was overwhelming, because I never had any idea I had someone watching me, and knowing that I am appreciated, that is a good reward.”

Cantu said Layton has also brought in a number of new volunteers and fostered them through the program, and whenever someone has to take time away from volunteering she is willing to step up.

“She is always going over and above what is expected,” Cantu said.