Each year more than 8,000 volunteers contribute over one million hours of service to HHC facilities. The ways in which volunteers give of their time and talents are innumerable, and some even create special programs that utilize their own special skills and interests. As a bonus, volunteers often find that by giving service to others, they enrich their own lives in ways that they had never expected.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about volunteer opportunities at HHC facilities.

No matter what your preferences and skills, there are a myriad of opportunities at each facility. Here is a sample of volunteer activities that you could be a part of:

• 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
• Interpreting for patients who do not speak English
• Patient counseling and advocacy
• Gardening and landscaping
• Clerical and computer work in virtually any department

What are the requirements for becoming a volunteer?

• Time Commitment - Volunteers are asked to commit to a set number of hours weekly and a minimum length of service, to support continuity of services for patients. Specific commitment requirements vary among facilities and programs, but the range is from three to six hours per week for a period of from three to six months.
• Training - Some programs, such as language interpretation, patient advocacy or counseling, require special training. Training programs are provided free of charge and 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 have received a physical exam within the previous 12 months, have a PPD test for tuberculosis, and immunization for tetanus, chicken pox, measles, mumps and rubella.

Are any benefits provided?

Volunteers are eligible to receive a free meal, if they work three consecutive hours. 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 HHC facilities in every borough of New York City. From the list below, find the facility closest to you and call the Director of Volunteer Services to arrange for an interview. We can help you find the perfect program to meet your preference and availability.

Jacobi Medical Center
1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, New York 10461
Ms. Luisa Hernandez
(718) 918-4881, Rm. 156

Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center
234 East 149th Street, Bronx, New York 10451
Ms. Giselle Torres
(718) 519-5111

North Central Bronx Hospital
3424 Kossuth Avenue, Bronx, New York 10467
Ms. Luisa Hernandez
(718) 519-4840, Rm. 3H-16

Coney Island Hospital
2601 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, New York 11235
Ms. Gail D. Ehrlich
(718) 616-3161, Rm. 904

Kings County Hospital Center
451 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11203
Ms. Corinna C. Grant
(718)245-3121/3122, Rm. T-144

Dr. Susan Smith McKinney Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
594 Albany Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11203
Ms. Angela Cooper
(718) 245-7170

Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center
760 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York 11206
Ms. Ivelesse Mendez-Justiniano
(718) 963-8239

Bellevue Hospital Center
462 First Avenue @ 27th Street, New York, New York 10016
Ms. Priscilla A. Daniels
(212) 562-4858, Rm. 658

Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility
Coler Campus, 900 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York 10044
Ms. Pamela Hargrow
(212) 848-6011, Rm B1-6

Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility
Goldwater Campus, One Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York 10044
Ms. Pamela Hargrow
(212) 318-4457, Rm. E2-28

Gouverneur Health Care Services
227 Madison Street, New York, New York 10002
Mr. Che Kuang Yu
(212) 238-7855/7877/7982/7730, Rm. 876

Harlem Hospital Center
506 Lenox Avenue, New York, New York 10037
Ms. Stephanie M. Harewood
(212) 939-3520, MLK-3162

Metropolitan Hospital Center
1901 First Avenue @ 97th Street, New York, New York 10029
Ms. Linda Takourian
(212) 423-6894/6443, Rm. 4M13

Elmhurst Hospital Center
79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, New York 11373
Ms. Jayne Maerker
(718) 334-5175/5172, Rm. A1-26

Queens Hospital Center
82-68 164th Street, Jamaica, New York 11432
Ms. Andrea R. Adams
(718) 883-2280, Rm. 631

Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home
460 Brielle Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10314
Mr. George Taylor
(718) 317-3293, Rm. 133