The Ambulatory Care Crafts and Health Education Project is sponsored by the Volunteer Department of Queens Hospital Center in collaboration with the Department of Social Work Services. The purpose of the program is to train a diverse group of volunteers to engage patients in arts and crafts projects care while waiting to be seen by their healthcare professional in the ambulatory services.

A visit to the hospital may at times be a stressful event for children, and even adults who may experience discomforts when confronting health care professionals especially where language and cultural differences may exist. Through the use of volunteers engaging patients in the waiting rooms, we will introduce “fun” and “play” into the sometimes-intimidating environment to r educe some of the anxiety that might be experienced by our patients and their families. The volunteers will also read to the children and have health education and health promotion materials available to respond to any inquiries by the patient and their families.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, enjoy children, and be active as well as creative and energetic.

The program will be conducted at Queens Hospital Center and its off-site facilities. The Program will be operated Monday through Friday during regular clinic hours.

To apply or for more information, contact Gertie S. Brown, Associate Director, Social Work Services at (718) 883-4211.