Volunteering

Volunteering at NYC Health + Hospitals Facilities

Each year, more than 8,600 volunteers contribute more than 715,000 hours of service to NYC Health + Hospitals facilities. Volunteers give of their time and talents in countless ways. Some even create special programs that utilize their own special skills and interests. As a bonus, volunteers often find that in serving, they enrich their own lives in unexpected ways.

Community Advisory Boards

Community Advisory Boards (CABs) are the formal and direct links between each NYC Health + Hospitals facility and its patients and local advocates. The CABs contribute to planning, program development and service delivery. Members also provide invaluable advocacy and advice from the local community perspective. Contact your local NYC Health + Hospitals facility to learn more about Community Advisory Boards.

Hospital Auxiliary Groups

Many NYC Health + Hospitals facilities are supported by members of an auxiliary, a group of volunteers who work in collaboration with hospital administration to advance the quality of patient care services. Auxiliary members help fundraising efforts to support clinical enhancements, purchases of medical equipment and evaluate requests for other necessary grants that will advance our mission to provide quality health care with dignity and compassion.  Contact your local NYC Health + Hospitals facility to learn more about the auxiliary groups.

More Volunteer Opportunities

• What can I do as a volunteer?
• What are the requirements for becoming a volunteer?
• Do volunteers receive any benefits?
• How can I volunteer at a facility in my neighborhood?

What can I do as a volunteer?

No matter what your preferences and skills, there are many opportunities at each of our facilities. Volunteer activities include:

• Personal services for patients, like reading aloud or writing letters
• Escorting patients to and from activities
• Assisting occupational and physical therapists
• Assisting with art therapy programs
• Assisting chaplains
• Providing entertainment, such as music, magic or comedy, to adults or children
• Playing with children and babies
• Tutoring pediatric patients
• Gardening and landscaping
• Clerical and computer work in virtually any department

What are the requirements for becoming a volunteer?

We ask that our volunteers come with plenty of energy, willingness to work and a smile. In addition, we require:

• Time commitment. We ask our volunteers to commit to a set number of hours per week and to a minimum length of service. This helps us support continuity of services for our patients. Specific commitment requirements vary, but the range is from three to six hours per week for a period of three to six months.
• Training. Some programs, such as patient advocacy or counseling, require special training. NYC Health + Hospitals provides the training programs free of charge. These training sessions often give volunteers new skills that are valuable in their professional life.
• Medical requirements. Each facility has medical requirements that volunteers must meet before they begin their volunteer activities. Most facilities require that volunteers:
  • Received a physical exam within the previous 12 months
  • Have a PPD test for tuberculosis
  • Have immunization for tetanus, chicken pox, measles, mumps and rubella
  • Be vaccinated against the flu each year, if your service coincides with the flu season

Do volunteers receive any benefits?

Some volunteer programs provide academic credit, if arrangements have been made with your high school or college. Additional benefits may be available at some facilities.

How can I volunteer at a facility in my neighborhood?

There are NYC Health + Hospitals facilities in every borough of New York City. Find the facility closest to you and call the director of Volunteer Services listed below to arrange for an interview. We can help you find the perfect program to meet your preference and availability.