Organization: NYC Health + Hospitals
Opportunity Type: Volunteer Program
Locations: Multiple hospitals across New York City
Commitment: Approximately 3–6 hours per week for 3–6 months
About the Volunteer Program
NYC Health + Hospitals, New York City’s public hospital system, offers volunteer opportunities across several facilities. Volunteers can gain valuable healthcare experience while supporting patients, medical professionals, and hospital staff.
Volunteer activities may include:
- Providing companionship and support to patients.
- Escorting patients throughout hospital facilities.
- Assisting therapists and chaplains.
- Tutoring pediatric patients.
- Performing administrative and clerical tasks.
Available Volunteer Locations
Volunteers can choose the facility most convenient for them:
- Bellevue Hospital
- Harlem Hospital Center
- Metropolitan Hospital Center
- Gouverneur Hospital
- Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital & Nursing Facility
Time Commitment
Requirements vary by facility, but volunteers generally commit to:
- 3–6 hours per week.
- A service period of 3–6 months.
Training and Requirements
Free training is provided for specialized volunteer programs, such as patient advocacy and counseling.
Each facility has its own medical clearance requirements. Most facilities require:
- A physical examination completed within the past 12 months.
- A TB (PPD) test.
- Standard immunizations, including tetanus, chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella.
- An annual flu vaccine if your volunteer service takes place during flu season.
Academic Credit: Some programs may offer academic credit if arrangements are made in advance with your school.
How to Apply
NYC Health + Hospitals operates its volunteer programs separately at each facility. There is no single centralized application.
To get started, contact the Volunteer Services representative at the hospital where you would like to volunteer to arrange an interview.
1. Bellevue Hospital
- Email: BellevueVolunteers@nychhc.org
- Phone: (212) 562-4858
2. Harlem Hospital Center
- Contact: Stephanie M. Harewood
- Email: stephanie.harewood@nychhc.org
- Phone: (212) 939-3516
3. Metropolitan Hospital Center
- Contact: Sonia Deb
- Email: MetropolitanVolunteers@nychhc.org
- Phone: (212) 423-8964
4. Gouverneur Hospital
- Contact: Snowie Zhao
- Email: zhaos@nychhc.org
- Phone: (212) 238-7855
5. Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital & Nursing Facility
- Contact: Pamela Hargrow
- Email: pamela.hargrow@nychhc.org
- Phone: (212) 848-6011
Application Deadline
There is no fixed application deadline. Volunteer opportunities are available on a rolling basis, depending on each facility’s current needs.
Tip: Contact the Volunteer Services department at your preferred hospital to confirm current openings, application procedures, and medical clearance requirements before applying.
