The volunteers at Elmhurst Hospital Center are community residents who work with the hospital staff in providing not only quality health care, but also a human and compassionate hospital center. Whether they help in an office or clinic setting, the mailroom or a patient unit, volunteers unselfishly offer time, talents, and skills that contribute to the overall care of the patients and to the delivery of quality health care services at Elmhurst Hospital Center. Volunteer service also provides an excellent opportunity to be productive, to explore health careers and to learn new skills.

The Department of Volunteer Services coordinates the placement of volunteers on patient units, in ambulatory care services, and departmental offices. There are also many special programs: Chaplain’s Aides, SERV (Emergency Department), Foster Grandparents, The Living Room (Visiting HIV/AIDS Patients), The After School Program (Tutoring Children and Adolescents in our Psychiatric Programs), ACES (Patient Entitlement Counseling), Domestic Violence Advocates, and Pediatric Productions (Play Program in our Pediatric Care Services).

Many of the volunteers give a very special service to the patients and hospital by providing interpretations through our Language Bank. A volunteer interpreter can relieve the patient’s fear and anxiety by interpreting necessary information for them and their families.

Volunteers are required to give a minimum of six (6) hours a week if not employed and four (4) hours a week if working full-time, but the number of days and hours are up to the individual volunteer. Most of the volunteer assignments are available during the week, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Limited weekend volunteer assignments may also available.

To become a Volunteer, contact the Department of Volunteer Services at (718) 334-5175, or stop by the office (A1-26, off the main lobby).