Health-Related Volunteer Opportunities: New York City

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

114th Street and Amsterdam and 10th Avenue between 57th and 59th Streets

Description:
The Academic Associate program is a clinical research assistant program in the Emergency Department of the St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center. Duties include an active role in 7 current ongoing clinical research projects ranging from controlled trials of medication to observational cohort studies to various others. Opportunities for high-level involvement in specific research projects are available to motivated, reliable, interested individuals in addition to baseline commitment. Observation of emergency department procedures, resuscitations, and general care is an integrated part of the experience, and in some cases required for execution of research enrollment. The program is connected to a two-credit course being offered through the Department of Biology, BIOL W3995 - Introduction to clinical research and emergency medicine. The
course introduces students to the foundations, goals, and basic interpretation of clinical research, particularly in the emergency setting, and should dovetail with the knowledge acquired working as an Academic Associate.

You can find the application on our website.

Volunteer Commitment:
We ask for 2 shifts per week from each AA, and also request your attendance at a few evening training sessions each semester.

Volunteer Orientation:

ALL NEW VOLUNTEERS must attend an orientation session at the hospital you've been assigned to. If you have one shift at St. Luke's and one shift at Roosevelt Hospital you must attend an orientation session at BOTH SL and RH. Please see the Academic Associates Website for more information.

Contact:
academic.associate@gmail.com

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360 Lexington Avenue
4th Floor
New York, NY 10017

Description:
The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter is to create and promote comprehensive and humane care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, and to provide support for their families and professional caregivers. The Chapter meets this mission in the community through increasing public awareness, providing education, creating and encouraging replication of model programs, collaborating with research centers, and undertaking advocacy.

Volunteer Opportunities:

The 24-Hour Helpline: The 24-hour Helpline supports the New York City Alzheimer’s community round the clock, 365 days a year, at no charge to callers. Staffed by specially trained volunteers, who respond weekdays from the office or by call forward from home evenings and weekends, this valuable resource offers information, referral and comfort to callers. Helpline Counselors provide callers with immediate access to a team of trained and dedicated volunteers and professionals who are familiar with Alzheimer’s Disease. Counselors answer the telephone, provide a supportive and listening ear, offer informational materials and refer callers to community resources or professional staff as required.
Hours : One 4-hour daytime shift, per week.

Special Events: Help us raise money for the New York City Chapter through events such as Memory Walk and our annual gala.
Hours : varies

Educational Meetings and Seminars: Greet and register seminar participants and assist with informational materials to be distributed.
Hours: 4 hours, one evening per month.

Translation Services: Translate written materials, such as newsletters, website stories, and various letters and informational packets, from English to Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Russian or French. Hours: can be done from home- volunteer can pick up materials, or they’ll be faxed, or emailed.

Speaker’s Bureau: Make presentations about Alzheimer's disease to senior groups, corporate offices or community centers.
Hours : varies, speaking engagements take place on a periodic basis.

Development: Assist Development Associate with data input, clerical phone work, preparing and organizing reports and filing. Knowledge of word processing is a must.
Hours: 4 daytime hours, per week.

Safe Return: Provide clerical support to the effort to register persons with dementia who may wander from home and become lost. The registry is the information source for a national alert program.
Hours: 4 daytime hours, per week. Need to be detail-oriented.

Contact:
Sherri Partridge
Director of Volunteer Leadership and Development
(212) 983-6906 ex. 248
spartridge@alznyc.org

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520 West 49th Street
New York , NY 10019

Description:
The American Red Cross in Greater New York is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It accomplishes this mission through services that are consistent with its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross movement.

Contact:
Volunteer Resources Department
(212) 875-2068
Volunteer@nyredcross.org

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424 E. 92nd St
New York, NY 10128

Description:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 as the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. The Society was formed to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and we continue to battle cruelty today. Whether it’s saving a pet who has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources with shelters across the country, we work toward the day in which no animal will live in pain or fear.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Adoption Counselor (On and Off-Site):
Role: Assist potential pet adopters with the process of choosing and adopting a pet.
Major Responsibilities: Greet Members of the public upon entering the adoption area; answer telephones and provides customer assistance; counsel and screen potential new homes to insure adopters will adhere to our guidelines and that they have chosen a pet suitable to their lifestyle; assist adopters in choosing a pet that meets their needs
Age Requirement: 18 or older

Animal Care Technician:
Role: To assist the hospital staff by providing direct care and maintenance of hospital area and feeding and general husbandry of hospitalized animals. 
Major Responsibilities: Compassionate nursing care is the top priority for all animals; keep kennels clean, orderly and free of odor; ensure exam rooms and kennels are clean, orderly, and ready for use; feed and water animals as needed; exercise/socialize animals; take inventory and stock as needed; hospital laundry
Age Requirement: 18 or older

Cat Volunteer (On and Off-Site):
Role: Provide socialization for the shelter cats
Major Responsibilities: Moving cats in and out of their cages; interacting with the cats in the spaces designated for socialization; assist Adoptions staff / volunteers working with potential adopters
Age Requirement: 14 or older
 
Dog Volunteer (On and Off-Site):
Role: Provide exercise, socialization, and basic training for the shelter dogs.
Major Responsibilities: Moving dogs in and out of their cages; walking a dog outdoors for exercise using appropriate equipment; teaching basic obedience; cleaning up after the dogs while outside of their cages
Age Requirement: 18 or older

Humane Educator:
Role: Teach Humane Education classes and staff community outreach tables throughout the New York City area.
Major Responsibilities: Staff the ASPCA table at education and community outreach events; present education programs to students and/or adults in schools, after school programs, and other events
Age Requirement: 18 or older

Mobile Clinic Assistant:
Role: To assist the public on the ASPCA’s Mobile Clinic
Major Responsibilities: Assist veterinary assistants and greeters with intake and paperwork; customer service; translation services for staff and clients; assist with client processing to reduce wait time
Age Requirement: 18 or older

Veterinary Assistant:
Role: Assist the Animal Placement medical staff with the veterinary care of the shelter animals
Major Responsibilities: Retrieve dogs and cats from various locations throughout the ASPCA Headquarters; restrain animals during examinations and procedures (not expected to handle potentially dangerous animals); cleaning and basic housekeeping
Age Requirement: 18 or older

Volunteer Commitment:
Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older.
Commit to a minimum of 8 hours/month for 6 months. 

Volunteer Guidelines:

• Attend the ASPCA Volunteer Orientation. This session provides an overview of the ASPCA’s philosophy, services and volunteer activities. Volunteer Orientations are held monthly; reservations are taken quarterly- March, June, September, and December.
• Complete and return the Volunteer Application to the ASPCA Volunteer Department (provided at the Volunteer Orientation).
• Attend additional training classes for specific activities.

Contact:
424 E. 92nd St
New York, NY 10128-6804.
(212) 876-7700

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B

100 Brooks Hall

Description:
The RC/AVSC provides peer counseling, advocacy and education to the entire University community. They are staffed by graduate and undergraduate women, a professional Program Coordinator, and Advisors from Columbia University and Barnard College. The RC/AVSC offers emotional support, accompaniment, and referrals to survivors and their supporters. It helps survivors of sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, relationship violence, childhood abuse, hate crimes, stalking and sexual harassment.

Volunteer Opportunities:
There are a number of ways for students to volunteer. All volunteer positions require training which begins approximately one month after each semester begins. The following is a list of positions:

Peer Counselors Advocates: provide phone and in-person peer counseling support information and referrals to survivors and their supporters. Respond to requests for support from survivors of sexual assault, rape, partner abuse or other forms of violence. Provide accompaniment to hospital, health services, police or security.

Peer Educators and Outreach volunteers: organize special events and speakers to campus, and inform members of community about the reality of violence and about the services of the RC/AVSC.

Contact:
(212) 854-4366
rcavsc@columbia.edu

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1st Avenue and 27th Street

Description:
Patient Advocacy Volunteer in Emergency Research Services (PAVERS)
PAVERS is a research methodology volunteer program in which participants learn about clinical research and medicine through emergency department observation, assistance with research, and a series of lectures. Participants act as volunteers within the emergency department, assisting patients, physicians, and nurses. PAVERS also participate in the research projects being conducted in the Department of Emergency Medicine by collecting data from patients.

Requirements:
In order to be considered for the PAVERS program, candidates must submit written applications. After applications are received, some applicants will be granted interviews. Please read all the information and policies before you apply, as PAVERS has become an increasingly competitive program and requires a substantial commitment from volunteers.

Commitment:
PAVERS are required to commit to volunteering for a minimum of one academic year. The time commitment is one four-hour daytime shift per week, or one eight-hour overnight shift every two weeks, plus one two-hour monthly meeting. In general, the following blocks of time are available for volunteer shifts seven days per week:

Four hour shifts: 8am-12pm, 12pm-4pm, 4pm-8pm
Eight hour shifts: 8pm-12am, 12am-8am

Please consider that all rules and attendance requirements for the program will be strictly enforced.

Contact:
Elissa Moore
Coordinator of Emergency Medicine Research
Emergency Care Institute, Suite 345A
462 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
phone: (212) 263 - 2858

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Several locations:

Petrie Division 1st Avenue at 16th St New York, NY 10003 (212) 420-2733	Phillips Ambulatory Care Ctr. 10 Union Sq. East New York, NY 10003 (212) 844-8630
Kings Highway Division 3201 Kings Highway Brooklyn, NY 11234 (718) 377-4036	Singer Division 170 East End Ave NY, NY 10028

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers work in a variety of settings which may vary according to the location. Some of the opportunities include the following:

Cancer Center	Rape Crisis Program
Physical/Occupational Therapy	Emergency Department
Pastoral	Pediatric Playroom
Surgical Advocate

Volunteer Commitment:
Volunteers must be able to commit to one 2-4 hour shift each week for a minimum of 6 months.

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C

1740 Eastchester Road
Bronx , NY 10461

Description
Calvary Hospital is the only fully accredited acute care specialty hospital exclusively providing palliative care for adult advanced cancer patients in the United States. Calvary Hospital is based in the Bronx, New York with a campus in Brooklyn. We provide palliative care-- the active treatment of the symptoms, not the cure of the disease, to make our patients as comfortable as possible.

Our programs include inpatient care, pain management, outpatient care, hospice, home care with bereavement and support programs for families and friends.

Calvary Hospital is committed to kindness, non-abandonment, and the importance of "caring" people who care for our patients.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Many volunteering opportunities exist throughout the entire facility.

Contact
Volunteer Office
(718) 518-2115

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Columbia University Emergency Medical Service

Description:
CAVA is a student-run Basic Life Support (BLS) Volunteer Ambulance Corps., and is staffed by New York State Certified Emergency Medical Technicians with Defibrillation (NYS EMT-D) volunteers. Members of CAVA are students and staff of Columbia University, who provide emergency medical care for the Columbia campus and surrounding areas. CAVA is in service 24 hours a day, seven days a week while school is in session.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Those who are interested in volunteering first must obtain New York State certification as an EMT. For more information about obtaining EMT certification and working with CAVA, please see the CAVA FAQ.

Volunteer Commitment:
CAVA volunteers are required to take one 12-hour weekday shift every week, and one 12-hour weekend shift every month. In addition to taking shifts, members must attend weekly meetings, as well as various training sessions that are held during the week.

Contact:
(212) 851-1394
cava@columbia.edu

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The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ ALS Research Center
710 West 168 th Street , 9 th Floor
New York , NY 10027

Description:
The intertwined goals of helping to serve those living with ALS while working to find a cure, provide many opportunities for supporting the ALS Center.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteer support is an essential component to the activities of the ALS Center. Ways in which your time can be of service to others can be expressed by:

Helping other patients or family members in your community with errands, transportation, and accompanying them on their medical visits. Helping with administrative duties in the Center related to patient educational materials, assisting with patient visits, providing assistance at educational conferences or fundraising activities. Helping other patients and families cope with different aspects of living with ALS by being a peer counselor. Providing support through conversation, sharing of experiences, emails and your personal time.

Contact:
Volunteer Services
(212) 305-1319
ALScenter@columbia.edu

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John Jay Hall Rm. 424

Description:
The Gay Health Advocacy Project (GHAP) promotes the health and civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people on campus. GPAP also provide HIV testing, counseling and treatment for the Columbia community.

Volunteer Opportunities:
GHAP recruits approximately twenty Columbia University student “Advocates” each year to provide pre-HIV antibody test peer counseling, peer sexual health training and counseling, and a variety of volunteer services for GHAP’s programs. Advocates undergo a comprehensive and rigorous training during the Fall Semester and are monitored throughout the year

Volunteer Commitment:
Training is required. A one-year commitment is expected.

Contact:
(212) 854-7970
ghap@columbia.edu

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Columbia University Medical Center

New York State Psychiatric Institute
1051 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10032

Description:
The volunteer program at Columbia University Department of Psychiatry is service-oriented. Volunteers work in alliance with employees in various departments. They are an essential part of the staff. The Columbia University Department of Psychiatry is mainly a research organization; therefore, most of our volunteers choose to work on our many research studies. Volunteer tasks vary from clerical work to patient or research subject contact, usually observing interviews performed by our researchers.

Contact:
Matt Gold
Director of Volunteer Division
goldmat@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu

Department of Surgery Women At Risk (WAR) program
630 West 168th Street
New York , NY 10032

Description:
The Women At Risk program is based on enhancing the lives of women who are at high risk for the development of breast cancer and women with breast cancer through research, education and support.

Volunteer Opportunities:

On-Call Volunteer: There are certain times during the year when the WAR office needs help with very large mailings. Being an "On-Call" volunteer would involve allowing us to contact you, with a few days notice, to see if you would be available to come in and lend a hand.

Event Volunteer: Throughout the year, Women At Risk sponsors events (such as the Annual Luncheon and the Wine, Food, & Art Auction) that require additional help from volunteers.

Contact:
Rene Bouchard
212-305-5917

Resource Library Volunteer The WAR Resource Library volunteer's central purpose is to provide information and support to women undergoing screening, diagnosis, and treatment for breast cancer. In addition, they assist patients who visit oncologists for consultation regarding other cancers. New volunteers are trained for approximately three hours, in two sessions by a social worker and the Library Coordinator, and spend three half-day sessions as "interns" with regular library volunteers. After that time, a new volunteer can assume either a weekly or half-day assignment, or act as a substitute for library volunteers. Volunteers need to be cancer survivors, preferable of breast cancer, who are at least one year out of treatment.

Contact:
Resource Library
(212) 305-0266

The Health Education and Adult Literacy (HEAL) program
Various locations

Descripion:
HEAL is a volunteer driven project to promote health literacy and improve health outcomes for parents and children in outpatient pediatric clinics. The program aims to decrease medication errors and increase compliance with treatments prescribed by pediatricians through improving health literacy in the population served.

Contact:
Julie Augenstein
Ja2411@columbia.edu

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Coney Island Hospital

2601 Ocean Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11235

Description:
Public hospital

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are used on weekdays and weekends and are placed in a variety of departments, including:

Physical Therapy	ER
Occupational Therapy	Oncology
Speech Therapy	Interpreter Services

Volunteer Commitment:
Volunteers are expected to commit 150 hours of volunteer service.

Contact:
Gail Ehrlich
(718) 616-3161

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E

Elmhurst Hospital Center

79-01 Broadway, Rm A1-26
Elmhurst, NY 11373

Description:
Public hospital

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are used in patient units as well as in offices and clinics. Volunteers with language skills are especially needed (Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Hindi and Bengali) There are also several special volunteer programs including:

After School Program:
this program involves tutoring and homework assistance on child/adolescent psych unit.
Healthy Outlook: this program works closely with geriatric inpatient unit and Senior Care Center
Healthy Teen and Infant: this is a support program for pregnant adolescents
Patient Advocacy: this program involves volunteers with patient satisfaction surveys

Volunteer Commitment:
Volunteers are required to commit a minimum of 4-6 hours a week. Most of the volunteer assignments are available during the week Monday – Friday between 8 am and 8 pm. There are also limited weekend assignments

Contact:
Department of Volunteer Services
(718) 334-5175
Or stop by the office (A1-26, off the main lobby).

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F

1431 Broadway, 7 th Floor
New York , NY 10018

Description:
Free Arts NYC is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the healing powers of the arts into the lives of abused, neglected and at risk children and their families. Through the visual arts, movement, writing and other creative outlets, Free Arts volunteers help children and families express emotions, gain self-confidence and develop positive methods of communication. Programs are offered in partnership with schools and social service agencies throughout New York City.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Monday – Friday, with flexible hours from 9:30am = 5:30pm. (1-2 Saturdays per month for Free Arts Day interns only).

Free Arts Day Program: Day long weekend events, where 25-100 children are matched 1:1 or 1:2 with adult volunteers for a variety of art-centered activities a, lunch and entertainment.

Parents and Children Together With Art (PACT): A structured 8 week, theme based “art experience”, provided to at risk families.

Weekly Mentor Program: Provides youth ages 6-18 with positive role models and artistic mentors.

Contact:
Elizabeth Thomas
Elizabeth@freeartnyc.org

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G

119 West 24th Street
New York, NY 10011

Description:
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. GMHC runs a number of different programs including a hotline, HIV/STI testing and counseling program, case management and legal services public policy and preventative education.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are utilized in a number of different roles including

Hotline Counselor: provide callers with information, referrals and emotional support regarding HIV and AIDS-related issues.

Hotline Email Counselor: represent GMHC by providing information, counseling and referrals regarding HIV/AIDS and related issues. Volunteer will provide written response to people who e-mail the hotline.

HIV Testing Center Counselor: provide pre & post HIV/Syphilis counseling in a confidential setting. Volunteers assist clients in assessing readiness for testing as well as their ability to receive results.

Community Educator: represent GMHC to a broad range of audiences within the five boroughs of NYC as a speaker and/or tabling/outreach worker. Volunteers facilitate workshops and/or provide information about HIV and GMHC services (e.g., in classes and clinics, at tables at health and street fairs) in a non-judgmental, supportive manner.

Buddies: assist people with HIV/AIDS who are registered clients to cope with living with the disease. Buddies provide emotional and practical support, helping with errands, household chores, information gathering and referrals to GMHC and other services. Each Buddy also becomes a member of a team, receiving ongoing supervision and training by staff and team leaders. Some buddies work only by phone or e-mail, providing emotional support through regular telephone or e-mail contact. Although we need buddies in all boroughs, our greatest need is in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Spanish as a second language is a plus.

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H

Harlem Hospital Center

506 Lenox Avenue
New York, NY 10037

Description:
There are a multitude of different volunteer opportunities available at the different facilities within the the NYC Health and Hospital Corporation. These include:

Patient visiting	Occupational and Physical therapy assistants
Art therapy	Assisting chaplains
Tutoring pediatric patients	Interpreting
Patient counseling and advocacy	Clerical and other administrative work

Volunteer Commitment:
Volunteers are asked to commit to a st number of hours weekly (3-6 hrs) and a minimum length of service (3-6 months).

Contact:
Ms. Linda Takourian (212) 939-3520

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Hospice of New York

45-18 Court Square, Suite 500
Long Island City, NY 11101

Description:
Hospice of NY is committed to the total care of the patient and family who is facing a life limiting illness. Through an interdisciplinary team of health care providers, the physical, emotional and spiritual needs are addressed in a holistic approach. Emphasis is on pain control and symptom management and is delivered in the home or in a long term care facility.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Patient care volunteers provide companionship to the patient and respite care to the caregiver. They help by making friendly visits, reading to patients, writing letters, running errands, sharing a quiet moment or just being there to listen.

Volunteer Training:
Volunteers are required to go through training which generally takes place on 2 consecutive Saturdays from 9:30 – 4:00 pm.

Volunteer Commitment:
Assignments vary based on need. Volunteers are kept as close to their home as they wish to be. Commitment is flexible and each visit may be 1-4 hours per week.

Contact:
Angela Purpura
(718) 472-1999

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Bernard Aronson Plaza
301 East 17th Street
New York, NY 10003

Description:
A voluntary, not-for-profit, 220 bed hospital located at 17th Street and Second Avenue in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan. HJD has evolved from an orthopedic/ rheumatologic hospital into a specialty medical institute with expertise in orthopedic surgery, rheumatology and molecular medicine, rehabilitation medicine, neurology and specialized neurosurgery.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are used in both clinical and administrative areas. Those who are interested in rehabilitative medicine, occupational and physical therapy are especially encouraged to apply.

Contact:
Volunteer Coordinator: (212) 598-6023

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535 East 70th Street
New York, NY 10021

Description:
Hospital for Special Surgery is a specialty hospital for orthopedics and rheumatology.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are utilized in a number of different roles including

Patient Accounting: The purpose of the Patient Accounting department is to ensure that money is collected from insurance companies and patients who have received services from the Hospital. It is critical that all of these interactions are conducted in a professional, courteous, efficient manner with attention to detail. Volunteers will be responsible for correcting invalid patient addresses, working with a computer patient database, preparing reports as assigned, telephone work, and other basic tasks in support of the department's mission.

Ambulatory Surgery: Volunteer ensures a smooth flow of information between patients in surgery and family and visitors in the waiting area. Volunteers welcome patients, family members, and friends upon arrival in the waiting area and continue to communicate as needed throughout the procedure. Volunteers also facilitate visiting in the recovery room for the patient's families and friends. When asked, volunteers support staff in assisting patients with non-medical needs as they wake up from surgical procedures. Volunteers are trained to use a computer software program called Status Board Reporter. Each volunteer is given a password and this program tracks the status of surgeries for each patient. Volunteers sit at the information desk and answer phones, answer families' questions, make patient packets, maintain waiting area and any other clerical duties needed. In addition to the above tasks volunteers are instructed by the nurses to bring families and friends into the recovery area after the patient recovers from surgery. They provide gowns for the families and lead them to the patient bedside. Volunteers are knowledgeable about HSS's neighborhood amenities and provide information and educational materials. Volunteers are also in constant contacts with doctors who might relay a message to them to give to a family member regarding a patient prescription, status of surgery, etc. The Ambulatory Surgery waiting area is located on the 9th floor of the main hospital building. The waiting area hosts about 75-100 people daily and provides a place of comfort and relaxation to the patient's family and friends as they anxiously await news from the Recovery area.

Surgical Liaison/Family Atrium: Volunteer provides crucial communication link between the patient families waiting while the patient is in surgery. Volunteers welcome patients, family members, and friends upon arrival in the Atrium and continue to communicate as needed throughout the day. Volunteers also facilitate visiting in the recovery room for the patient's families. Volunteers are trained to use two computer programs ensured to track the patient flow while they are in surgery and when they come out of surgery. Volunteers serve as liaison between the recovery room and the patient families. They update the boards in the recovery room, announce visiting hours, and escort the families to the recovery area to be with the patient. Volunteers also answer phones, collate and copy papers, work on various projects that involve using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. If the Atrium needs tidying the volunteers are required to straighten up the area. The Surgical Liaison or the Family Atrium as it is commonly called is located on the 4th floor of the main hospital building. The Atrium provides a place of comfort and information to the family member and friends of loved ones while they are in surgery. The Atrium hosts about 60-80 people throughout the day.

Hand & Foot Center/Special Procedures: The volunteer role will be to enhance the patient experience in their post-operative care by supporting the nurse technicians and staff. Specific duties include: Escort family members and visitors to/from PACU waiting area; Offering of warm blankets and/or ice packs; Offering of juice and cookies; Re-setting barcolounge chair for next patient; Compiling Gown Sets; Preparing chuck pads (cutting and folding); Towel folding; Putting together Special Procedure charts.

Health Information Management (Medical Records): The mission of Health Information Management is to ensure that patient information is efficiently and properly maintained and disseminated. The volunteer will work as part of a large team. Specific duties include: Making corrections to operative reports in the dictation system; Printing out reports; Pulling records and re-stacking them; Faxing, filing and computer work; Running errands.

 

Contact:
Shahan Hafiz, Volunteer Coordinator
(212) 606-1228
hafizs@hss.edu

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I

Description:
The Institute, is a non-profit corporation in New York City serving communities of high medical need through the development of primary health care services and health professional education. The Institute's mission is to improve the quality and availability of family practice services in response to the needs of medically underserved populations.

Volunteer Opportunities:
The Institute for Urban Family Health and the New York Metro Regional AHEC (Area Health Education Center) Program sponsor a Summer Internship Program for medical students as well as college and high school students. Public health projects available to students have included: Tuberculosis Screening and Education; Patient Education Project at Homeless Sites; Health Fairs for Homeless Women and Children; Health Needs Assessments in Lower East Side Communities; Complementary Medicine; Pregnancy Testing; Counseling and Community Outreach; Asthma Education; Maternal and Child Health Project; Patient Understanding Study; and HIV Quality of Care studies.

Other volunteer opportunities may also be available during the academic year. Please contact the Institute for more information

Contact:
info@institute2000.org

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J

1400 Pelham Parkway South Rm. 156
Bronx, NY 10461

Description:
Public hospital

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are assigned to work in various throughout the hospital including: Women’s Health, Admitting, Pediatrics, Food Service, Patient Relations, and Health Information Management.

Volunteer Commitment:
Volunteers are required to commit a minimum of 8 hours per week for at least 6 months.

Contact:
Luisa Hernandez
(718) 918-4881

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L

100 East 77th Street
New York, NY 10021-1883

Description:
Private Hospital

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers may be placed in a number of different departments including: Emergency Department, Cardiac Care, Intensive Care, Physical Therapy, Psychiatric Unit etc.

Volunteer Commitment:
Usually a minimum of 3 hours a week is required for at least 6 months.

Contact:
Volunteer Office
(212) 434-2600

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M

4802 Tenth Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219

Description:
At almost a 100 years old, Maimonides Medical Center remains a vital and thriving non-profit, non-sectarian hospital. It is the pre-eminent treatment facility and academic medical center in the Borough of Brooklyn – and among the best in the country ...

Maimonides provides high quality compassionate patient care and community services to people of all faiths and backgrounds from the incredibly diverse population of Brooklyn.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Contact:
Department of Volunteer Services
Phone: (718) 283-3980

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1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021

Description:
Comprehensive Cancer Center

Volunteer Opportunities:

Patient Escort: Respond to requests for escorts and provide comfort to patients as needed.

Admission Center Volunteer: Provide information and assistance to patients and their families and to the Center staff. Provide companionship to patients and assist in preparing paperwork for admitting patients.

Disease Management Team Volunteer: Provide assistance to staff and inpatients on one or more inpatient units. Perform clerical or non-clinical tasks on the unit as directed by staff. Assist with the patent discharge process by escorting patients to building exits or garage.

Volunteer Commitment:
Volunteers must give an average of at least 6 hours of service each month. For students, the minimum is one semester or one summer.

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6323 Seventh Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11220

Description:
The mission of hospice is to provide support and care for individuals in the final stages of advanced illness, so that an individual will be able to live pain free and as fully and comfortably as possible.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers may work in clerical/administrative support, in-patient unit, or directly with patients in their homes.

Volunteer Commitment:
90 hours of volunteer service over a 3-4 month period is expected. This will include 20 hours of required training.

Contact:
Katherine Azbell
(718) 921-7900

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Metropolitan Hospital Center

1901 First Avenue, Room 4M13
New York, NY 10029

Description:
General care public hospital

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers serve throughout the hospital, working directly with patients in clinics and on hospital floors or behind the scenes in offices and service areas.

Volunteer Commitment:
A commitment of 150 hours, serving a minimum of 3 consecutive hours per day, evenings and weekends.

Contact:
(212) 423-6262

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One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1274
New York, NY 10029-6574

Description:
private hospital – research opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities:
Basic science and clinical research volunteer placements exist for premedical students throughout the academic year. Placements exist in over 30 areas, including cardiology, community medicine, geriatrics, human genetics, infectious diseases, neurology and psychiatry. A full-time summer program is also available.

Volunteer Commitment:
In the fall and spring semesters students are required to commit to 15 hours per week for at least 4 months. Volunteer hours must be completed during a 9 – 5 timeframe.

Contact:
Kaye Derman

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310 E. 14th Street
New York, NY 10003

Description:
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary is a hospital that specializes in the treatment and research of eye, ear, nose, throat and related problems.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are assigned to work in various areas including: Administration, Admitting, Ambulatory Care Centers, Intraocular Lens Office, Operating Room, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Pharmacy, Pre-Surgical Testing, Radiology, Recovery Room, Retinal Diagnostic Center, Social Services etc.

Volunteer Commitment:
Usually a minimum of 3 hours a week is required.

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Domestic and Other Violence Emergencies Program (DOVE)
622 West 168th Street
New York, NY

Description:
This program is designed to train volunteers to assist survivors in crisis in the Columbia Presbyterian Emergency Room. Volunteers on call will respond as an advocate to any domestic violence emergency that comes into the Emergency Department.

Requirements:
Volunteers are required to complete 40 hours of training. They must also be 18 years or older and live within 40 minutes of the hospital.

Volunteer Commitment:
In addition to completing the training, volunteers must be on-call 1-2 shifts per month for a period of one year.

Contact:
(212) 305-4726

The Allen Pavilion
5141 Broadway
New York , NY 10034

Description:
A part of New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Volunteer Opportunities:
There are various opportunities available in the following departments:

Ambulatory Surgery Waiting Area	Emergency Department
Nursing	Occupational Therapy
Pastoral Care	Patient Relations
Physical Therapy	Volunteer Interpreter Program

Volunteer Commitment:
The minimum time commitment is 4 hours a week for a total of 150 hours of service (approximately 6 months of service). You must be able to commit to coming in on a weekly basis.

Contact:
Myra Gonzales
Director of Volunteer Services
(212) 932-5319

Weill Cornell Medical College
525 East 68 th Street
New York , NY 10027

Description:
There are over 180 departments and programs at the New York Weill Cornell Medical Center that utilize the services of volunteers. The following list will give you a brief overview of the areas as well as demonstrate the diversity of volunteer opportunities available.

Some assignments will involve direct patient/client contact, while others focus on more clerical program support. Availability of assignments will vary depending upon the needs of a particular department or program at any given time.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Admitting: Good interpersonal skills needed for this busy location. Assist patients with multiple aspects of registration. General administrative duties include: reception, answering phones, filing, faxing and duplications.

Adult Recreation: Help improve frail elderly patient’s quality of life through conversation, arts and crafts activities, games and assisting with minor grooming.

Ambulatory Care Clinics: Volunteers act as a liaison between patients/families and staff. Assist patients and families in waiting rooms with registration, pre-operative tasks and escorting Clerical responsibilities may include answering phones, computer/date entry and filing. Good interpersonal skills required.

Child Literacy Program: Read developmentally age appropriate books to children in a one on one or group setting. Educate their parents/caregivers about the importance of reading to children. Must be at least 16 years old.

Child Life: Help ease the fright of children facing hospital stays by offering support and guidance to them and their families. Assist Child Life staff in one of the many therapeutic playrooms in the hospital. Work with children and adolescents on activities such as arts and crafts, writing, reading, helping with schoolwork and playing games. A background in art and education is helpful.

Emergency Department

Information Desk: Volunteers act as a central directory for all hospital departments/service areas. Answer all patient/visitor inquiries regarding both in-patient and out patient services. Answer phones and call departments as needed. Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Training provided.

Interpreter Program: Join the language bank and/or serve as an interpreter throughout the hospital. Bilingual volunteers provide medical interpretation services for limited English speaking patients and their health care provider. All languages are needed especially Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish. Intensive training is provided.

Look Good/Feel Better: The Look Good/Feel Better Program is a national public service program to help women undergoing cancer treatment learn to cope with the appearance-related side effects of treatment and regain a sense of self-confidence and control over their lives. During sessions volunteer cosmetologists (must be certified professionals) teach women how to enhance their appearance using make-up and hair replacement techniques.

Nursing Unit Aides: Duties may include assisting unit clerks with greeting visitors, answering patient call lights, transporting patients via wheelchair, feeding and ambulating patients, providing diversional activities, and general administrative/clerical assistance. The following is a brief listing of in-patient units that utilize volunteers: burn center, cardiology, dialysis, maternity, medical/surgery, oncology, pediatrics and psychiatry.

Pastoral Care: General chaplaincy volunteers are people with good listening skills who are warm, caring, and concerned. Volunteers visit patients throughout the hospital and assess the need for a chaplain.

Patient Visiting: Volunteers report to several in-patient units each shift and visit patients as needed/requested. Volunteers provide general support and comfort and serve as empathic listeners and hand holders. May assist patients with basic needs such as ordering meals, phone, television service, and requesting books from the patient library.

Rape Crisis Program: The Rape Crisis Program is designed to assist rape victims in the Emergency Room. Volunteers provide rape crisis counseling and information services to the patient. An eight-week training program is provided. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Silver Spoons: Silver Spoons is a program designed to enhance the nutritional intake of patients. Due to the nature of their illness, many patients are unable to adequately feed themselves. Volunteers help by feeding and providing emotional support to patients on various nursing units. Training provided.

Social Work: Volunteers provide in person and phone counseling to patients regarding all city, state and federal benefit entitlement programs. Provide resource information and make referrals to appropriate agencies. Training provided.

Surgical Waiting Room: Volunteers act as liaison between staff and family members in the wait area outside the operating rooms. Keep families informed of patient status and be able to relay information in a professional and compassionate manner.

Teenage Pregnancy: Program volunteers serve as mentors to pregnant teens throughout the course of their pregnancy. Volunteers have consistent phone contact with the teen as well as in-person visits at least twice each month. Provide guidance and psychosocial support as needed. Attendance required at group and individual supervision. Must be at least 21 years of age.

Contact:
Volunteer Services Department
525 East 68 th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 746-4396

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Description:
Nightline is a listening, support and information service, run by students for students. It is an anonymous and confidential peer counseling service to help get you through the night. Whatever you want to talk about, we will listen and provide non-judgmental support [and help you explore your options].

Contact:
Jessica Pulitzer (jrp2005@columbia.edu)
Joseph Kaptur (jjk2124@columbia.edu)

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170 William Street
New York, NY 10038-2649

Description:
Teaching hospital

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are placed in various assignments throughout the hospital including direct patient care, administrative and clerical, security and public information, community outreach, laboratory, and surgical family liaison.

Volunteer Commitment:
Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 100 hours of service. On average, it is expected that volunteers contribute 4 hours per week for at least 6 months.

Contact:
Volunteer Department
New York Downtown Hospital
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Phone: (917) 286-2571
Email: william.wang@downtownhospital.org

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550 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016

Description:
NYU Medical Center’s comprehensive array of services provides a diverse range of opportunities. All Programs are non-medical and there are no doctor-shadowing positions.

Volunteer Opportunites:

Liason (Mostly DAY, some EVE): Assist patients and visitors in waiting rooms, the pharmacy and in a limited way, in-patient areas.

Information Desk (DAY): Assist patients, staff and the public by providing information and directions to various areas of the hospital.

Recreation (DAY, some EVE & W/E): Assist Recreation Therapists with recreation programs for adult and pediatric patients.

Patient Unit and ER Volunteers (DAY, EVE, W/E): Visit in the ER or on an assigned patient unit. Volunteers listen to and converse with patients/visitors making them feel better about their hospital experience. Run errands for patients and staff as required.

Physical/Occupational Therapies (DAY, few W/E shifts): Assist physical and occupational therapists by maintaining patient treatment areas, escorting patients and helping with office tasks. Volunteers will observe therapists treating patients.

Nutrition (DAY): Assist nutritionists and dietitians with daily tasks, as well as learn about the nutrition field in a hospital setting. This position is for senior university students majoring in nutrition science.

Meet and Greet (DAY): Provide comfort and compassion by visiting parents/families of pediatric patients. Give information about the pediatric unit and hospital to those parents of newly admitted patients.

Volunteer Commitment:
On average, volunteers are required to commit to volunteering the same day, same time each week for at least 6 months. Commitment time lengths vary from program to program (4-12 months).

Contact:
Jabeen Dinzey
Manager of Volunteers
212-263-6100z
volunteernyu@nyumc.org

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3424 Kossuth Avenue
Bronx, NY 10467

Description:
Public hospital

Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are assigned to work in various areas including: Women’s Health, Admitting, Pediatrics, Food Service, Patient Relations, and Health Information Management.

Volunteer Commitment:
Volunteers are required to commit a minimum of 8 hours per week for at least 6 months.

Contact:
Luisa Hernandez
(718) 519-4840

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434 W 33rd Street
New York, NY 10001

Description:
Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading sexual and reproductive health care advocate and provider.  With more than 860 health centers nationwide, nearly five million women, men, and teens turn to us each year for essential services — services we provide regardless of income, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or residence.

Planned Parenthood offers high-quality health care, including birth control and family planning, gynecological care, STI/STD testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, and abortion services.  Our providers prevent an estimated 617,000 unintended pregnancies annually, helping to ensure that everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child, and that every child is wanted and loved.  We advocate for expanded access to these services, drawing on a base of 3.5 million activists and supporters.  We also work with allies worldwide to ensure that all women and men have the right and the means to meet their sexual and reproductive health care needs.

Volunteer Opportunities:
There are various opportunities available.

Volunteer Commitment:
Volunteer responsibility and time frames vary from position to position. Please consult the website to determine the best position for you.

Contact:
Volunteer Department
434 W 33rd Street
New York, NY 10001
resumes@ppfa.org

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Project HEALTH

Columbia University

Description:
Project HEALTH is a student organization that unites doctors and social workers, Columbia undergrads, and families from Harlem, Washington Heights, and the Bronx in an attempt to interrupt the well-established link between poverty and poor health. Project HEALTH programs are student-developed and student-run, and they provide an excellent opportunity to develop strong relationships with families, children, and other community members. Project HEALTH runs 5 programs at the Harlem YMCA and the Harlem Hospital Center during the year, as well as over the summer.

Volunteer Commitment:
This varies depending on the program which the volunteer chooses

Contact:
Project HEALTH Web site
Project Health at Columbia University

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S

Description:
The Samaritans is non-religious, completely confidential and has no political, social or cultural agenda. We are a non-profit, volunteer organization whose sole purpose is to provide support to those individuals and groups who are in crisis, have lost someone to suicide and/or are feeling suicidal.

Volunteer Commitment:
Samaritans volunteers are caring individuals of every age and walk of life who go through intensive training and donate over 20 hours a month of their time.

Contact:
Volunteer Office
(212) 673-3041

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Premedical Volunteer Program
114th Street and Amsterdam

Description:
The Premedical Volunteer Program places premedical volunteers in the Emergency Department or one of St. Luke’s many other clinics and departments. Volunteers will have the opportunity to observe a variety of medical situations and perform other volunteer duties ranging from sitting with patients, transporting patients, running labs or charts, performing general clerical work etc. Premedical students may also join the interpreter program – which would allow them to translate for patients in their native language.

St. Luke's Roosevelt Volunteer Application Process
Core Competency Handbook
Challenge Exam
Health Assessment
Academic Clearance Form (to be completed by Advising Dean)

Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Surveyor
The Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire is a well-validated survey tool developed by the American Board of Internal Medicine as part of their Project Professionalism. It includes ten questions which will allow the Dept. of Medicine to measure the major clinical skills of the house staff. As a surveyor you will interview ambulatory patients after their clinic visits. In time, the Dept will try to expand this to the recently discharged inpatients. You will administer the survey plus some further questions related to the services rendered in the clinic. You will then have the opportunity to enter a secure website and record the data you have collected. This volunteer role will allow you to experience first hand the needs of patients.

For further information please contact Dr. Ethan Fried.

Division of Cardiology Research Volunteer Program
The Division of Cardiology at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital is very active in research. The Chief of the Division, Jonathan Steinberg, MD sponsors a Pre-Med Volunteer Program to support the research done by the Attending Cardiologists within the department which boasts highly respected specialists in the fields of Electrophysiology, Echocardiography, Interventional Cardiology, Hypertension, Cardiomyopathy, Nuclear Cardiology, and Prevention.

This is an opportunity to participate in the preparation of an abstract or a paper for publication and to learn what is involved in this process. There is a great deal of data entry involved; however, there are many rewards to keep the process interesting. In addition to learning how the abstract publication process works, you will have the opportunity to see cardiology procedures, shadow doctors doing procedures, and learn a great deal about heart disease and the diagnostic tests in use today. You can expect the rewards to be in proportion to the amount of time and effort you are able to give to the work and we are always looking for ways to make this experience enjoyable and meaningful for you.

For those who make a significant contribution to a paper there are opportunities to be listed as a co-author. Those who participate in a serious manner for a significant amount of time may also have the opportunity to receive a personal letter from one of our Attending Physicians as a reference for Medical School.

For additional information please contact Deborah Tormey

Volunteer Commitment
Premed Program: All volunteers are required to commit to volunteering for 5 hours per week – 150 hours over two semesters

Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Surveyor: This program requires that you be available to work during the regular 9 – 5 workday. Specific time commitment should be worked out individually with Dr. Fried.

Department of Cardiology Research Program: This program requires minimum of 5 hours a week, but one can choose to spend more time as schedule permits especially during the summer months.

Research Assistant Program
Division of Cardiology

Description:
The Division of Cardiology at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital is very active in research. The Chief of the Division, Jonathan Steinberg, MD sponsors a Pre-Med Volunteer Program to support the research done by the Attending Cardiologists within the department which boasts highly respected specialists in the fields of Electrophysiology, Echocardiography, Interventional Cardiology, Hypertension, Cardiomyopathy, Nuclear Cardiology, and Prevention. The preparation of the abstracts and papers is supervised by Emad Aziz, DO and the administrative aspects of the Research Assistant Program, including work assignments and rewards is managed by Deborah Tormey, RN, MPH a Research Coordinator at the St. Luke’s site.

This is an opportunity to participate in the preparation of an abstract or a paper for publication and to learn what is involved in this process. There is a great deal of data entry involved; however, there are many rewards to keep the process interesting. In addition to learning how the abstract publication process works, you will have the opportunity to see cardiology procedures, shadow doctors doing procedures, and learn a great deal about heart disease and the diagnostic tests in use today. You can expect the rewards to be in proportion to the amount of time and effort you are able to give to the work and we are always looking for ways to make this experience enjoyable and meaningful for you.

Volunteers in the past have found that, in addition to experiences provided by the program, they have benefited by being in the company of other Pre-Med students with whom they can share information. For those who make a significant contribution to a paper there are opportunities to be listed as a co-author. Those who participate in a serious manner for a significant amount of time may also have the opportunity to receive a personal letter from one of our Attending Physicians as a reference for Medical School.

Volunteer Commitment:

• Minimum: 5 hours a week during the hours Monday to Friday
• Desirable: 2 or 3 days/week during the summer
• Ideal: 2 or 3 days/week summer with on-going contact during the school year.

This is an on-going operation so the longer you stay with us the more you can learn and experience. During the school year we are very accommodating to your schedule.

Volunteer Orientation:

• Interview with Project Manager, Deborah Tormey
• No prior experience or education required, we will train you in all aspects of the work

Contact:
Deborah Tormey
dtormey@chpnet.org

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St. Vincent’s Pre-Health Rotation Program

130 W. 12th Street
New York, NY 10011

Description:
Public hospital.

Volunteer Opportunities:
This dynamic program offers premedical volunteers 15 consecutive “rotations” in diverse areas of the hospital, enabling them to observe, participate, and provide service. Each rotation offers unique opportunities in a particular medical environment and is supervised by professionals. There is ongoing interaction between service and learning. The program takes an entire year and one-half to complete.

Volunteer Commitment:
This program requires students to dedicate 4 consecutive hours weekly between 9 am – 5 pm weekdays. Program also requires excellent attendance – only allows 4 absences per year.

Eligibility: Freshman or First Semester Sophomores Only.

Contact:
Sister Patricia Cusack
Volunteer Department
(212) 604-7265

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