LEWISTON — Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice has scheduled its next session of specialized training for volunteers who wish to visit hospice patients in their homes, nursing facilities, at the Hospice House in Auburn or the Togus Veterans Affairs Hospital.

While the agency typically offers the 20-hour training program over three weeks, this summer session, which begins Monday, July 17, will be completed in a week.

Those interested in the training must call 207-795-9580 or 1-800-482-7412, ext. 1280, to schedule a brief phone screening by Wednesday, July 5.

“We have heard in the past from some volunteers that a more compressed training schedule would have been more convenient for them,’’ said Kristen McEvoy, director of Volunteer Resources. “We hope this training option is attractive to those who want to complete the training and still have plenty of time to enjoy summer in Maine.”

Hospice volunteer opportunities are available across the agency’s service area, which includes all of Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties, northern Cumberland County and parts of Kennebec, Sagadahoc and Somerset counties.

After completing training, volunteers will be able to provide companionship visits with hospice patients and their families. Along with those who plan to visit patients, volunteers may also choose to assist in other ways, such as providing transportation to medical appointments or running errands for groceries or medication.

Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice is seeking volunteers who can commit to at least two hours a week for the next year to serve as hospice volunteers. Military veterans are also needed to support AHCH’s Veteran to Veteran program, which includes options for special recognition of military service when requested.

AHCH provides the training, a background check and TB testing at no cost to volunteers.