Health-related volunteer opportunities are among our nation’s most popular, and abundant. And for people who like to work directly with others and see the good they create firsthand, this field is the perfect fit. Here are a few ideas for helping make your community happier and healthier.
Contribute to wellness
The Veterans Yoga Project is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of military veterans through yoga. You can learn about volunteer opportunities or how get involved in advocacy with the Yoga Alliance. Want to help your community think, and live, smart? Follow these tips to boost brain health. Or take some time to learn about nutrition, fitness, health care and health literacy initiatives at Health.gov. Then explore any of those initiatives for ideas about how to get involved in your community.
Volunteer at the hospital
The healthier a community, the fewer trips its residents may take to the hospital. But when injury or illness affects your neighbors and friends, there are multiple ways in which to help. Contact your local hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation facilities and clinics directly to learn of opportunities ranging from hands-on rehabilitation assistance, to making quick in-home visits or providing transportation to medical and rehab appointments.
Support the terminally ill
The ALS Foundation seeks volunteers to assist with patient services and other initiatives. Your local hospice may be searching for volunteers to assist with patients, families or even simple administrative tasks. Learn more about the role of hospice and volunteer opportunities here. If you have space in your home to welcome the family members of a terminally ill patient or are interested in the cause and willing to volunteer, consider organizations such as Joe’s House or The Ronald McDonald Charities.
Create the Good in communities abroad
Are you interested in traveling and volunteering in the health and wellness field? You could join a medical volunteer mission or teach health education. If you’re currently employed in healthcare and looking to bring your skills to a new culture, Health Volunteers Overseas has opportunities to contribute in more than a dozen medical fields. You can also sign up to help promote Public Health’s future leaders as a PAHO intern or volunteer.
Give the next generation a leg up
If you like working with community youth, you can start by making an impact on our youngest citizens when you make a baby kit for a new parent or join an organization dedicated to protecting abandoned babies. As a volunteer or advocate for improved school nutrition you can make a difference in community classrooms. Or help youth of all ages stay on a healthy track when you show them the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.