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Each year, more than 8,000 volunteers contribute more than 1 million hours of service to NYC Health + Hospitals. 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.

What is the minimum age to volunteer?

Most of our locations require you to be at least 16 years old to volunteer.

What can I do as a volunteer?

Volunteer opportunities vary. Examples of volunteer activities include:

  • Clerical duties
  • Computer work
  • Gardening and landscaping

You may also be given a patient care role depending on your age and level of interest. Those roles can include:

  • Reading aloud to patients or helping write letters
  • Assisting with art therapy programs
  • Playing with children and babies

What are the requirements to become 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. Contact a Volunteer Coordinator at the hospital or community health center you're interested in to find out more.

Training. Some programs 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

Can volunteers receive school credit?

Some volunteer programs provide academic credit, if arrangements have been made with your high school or college.

Can volunteers receive any other benefits?

Volunteers who work three consecutive hours are eligible to receive a free meal. 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 an interview. We can help you find the perfect program to meet your preference and availability.

Bronx

NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi

Address: 1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461
Room: Luisa Hernandez, Building #4, Room 1S20
Contact: 718-918-4880, luisa.hernandez@nbhn.net

NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln

Address: 234 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10451
Room: Giselle Torres, First Floor
Contact: 718-519-5111, giselle.torres@nychhc.org

NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx

Address: 3424 Kossuth Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467
Room: Charmaine Jones, Room 3H-16
Contact: 718-519-4839, charmaine.jones@nbhn.net

Brooklyn

NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island

Address: 2601 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Room: Julianne Rich, Main Building, Room 904
Contact: 718-616-3161, RichJ1@nychhc.org

NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County

Address: 451 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Room: Corinna C. Grant, Room T-144
Contact: 718-245-3121, corinna.grant@nychhc.org

NYC Health + Hospitals/McKinney

Address: 594 Albany Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Room: Angela Cooper
Contact: 718-245-7161,angela.cooper@nychhc.org

NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull

Address: 760 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Room: Samaris Rivera, Room 10AB239
Contact: 718-963-8467, samaris.rivera@woodhullhc.nychhc.org

Manhattan

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue

Address: 462 First Avenue @ 27th Street, New York, NY 10016
Room: Priscilla A. Daniels, Room A107
Contact: 212-562-4858, priscilla.daniels@bellevue.nychhc.org

NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler

Address: 900 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
Room: Pamela Hargrow, Room B1-6
Contact: 212-848-6011, pamela.hargrow@nychhc.org

NYC Health + Hospitals/Carter

Address: 1752 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10035
Room: Pamela Hargrow, Room 2-301
Contact: 646-686-1187, pamela.hargrow@nychhc.org

NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur

Address: 227 Madison Street, New York, NY 10002
Room: Che Kuang Yu, Room 11050
Contact: 212-238-7730, che.yu@nychhc.org

NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem

Address: 506 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10037
Room: Stephanie M. Harewood , Room MLK-3162
Contact: 212-939-3516, stephanie.harewood@nychhc.org

NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan

Address: 1901 First Avenue @ 97th Street, New York, NY 10029
Room: Linda Takourian, Room 4M13
Contact: 212-423-6894, linda.takourian@nychhc.org

Queens

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst

Address: 79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373
Room: Jayne Maerker, Room A1-25
Contact: 718-334-5175/5172, maerkerj@nychhc.org

NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens

Address: 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432
Room: Daphne Dominique, T-Building Room 4A11
Contact: 718-883-4728, dominiqd@nychhc.org

Staten Island

NYC Health + Hospitals/Sea View

Address: 460 Brielle Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314
Room: George Taylor, Room 133
Contact: 718-317-3293, taylorge@seaviewsi.nychhc.org