Who is Hank from A Million Little Pieces and what is their importance?

Hank is the first man at the Clinic with whom James feels a connection. He drives James to and from the dentist, and James likes Hank's easygoing, down-to-earth nature. Hank is a recovering alcoholic who begins working at the Clinic after he graduates from its recovery program. He gives James a coat to keep him warm in the Minnesota winter. He also takes James on an unsanctioned trip to Minneapolis to rescue Lilly when she runs away from the Clinic.