There are two types of volunteering: clinical and non-clinical. Both are important. I have broken this section up into those two sections. In each, I will list different volunteering opportunities at the University of Florida and how to get involved in general.
Clinical Volunteering
Clinical volunteering includes any volunteering that you are getting exposure to patients. The most straightforward way to get this is to volunteer at the hospital. Still, there are many different organizations you can do this through and other ways to get clinical volunteering. Typically this volunteering is only 3-5 hours a week, but some can be longer. Below is a list of different opportunities at the University of Florida that I know about, but there are other volunteer opportunities on UF's website: http://gatorsvolunteer.ufl.edu/for-volunteers/volunteer-with-health-and-medicine/
Shands Volunteering
Shands take volunteers in many different areas. Shifts are 3 hours each, and you typically only have one a week, but you can pick up other shifts if you wish.
TIP: Apply RIGHT when the application opens because the spots fill up very quickly. Also, sign up for the earliest Placement Appointment possible to get your top choice!
Applications open around two weeks before the start of every semester. Visit this website to find out when the next cycle is: https://ufhealth.org/college-student-volunteers
North Florida Regional Volunteering
North Florida takes volunteers year-round, depending on if they need volunteers.
Reach out to Joanne Robinson at Joanne.Robinson4@hcahealthcare.com to inquire if they need volunteers.
Equal Access Clinic
This is great for someone with interest in healthcare disparities.
Volunteer commitment includes one evening per week (Mon-Thurs), general body meetings twice per semester, and scheduled daytime hours for patient follow-up.
Applications typically open at the beginning of every semester, but a commitment of at least three semesters is necessary before you apply.
The Equal Access Clinic also has other opportunities such as internships and research that you can check out at this website: https://equalaccess.med.ufl.edu/for-volunteers/undergraduates/
Haven Hospice
They take volunteers as needed year-round that assist in a variety of ways.
Apply and learn more at: https://beyourhaven.org/volunteer-form/
Streetlight
Streetlight is volunteering at Shands in the teenage lounge and visitation areas. It requires a two-year commitment and a letter of recommendation to apply.
Information can be found at: https://streetlight.ufhealth.org/for-volunteers/application-process/
Dreamteam
Dreamteam volunteers are in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.
Applications open mid-semester every semester and can be found at https://www.ufdreamteam.org/dream-team-volunteering
Applications are currently open and close on March 18th.
Footprints
Footprints volunteers are in the Pediatric Immunocompromised inpatient and Infusion outpatient units.
Applications open mid-semester every semester and can be found at https://www.footprintsvolunteering.org/
Applications are currently open and close on March 18th.
Acorn Clinic
This clinic provides primary and preventive health services low-cost, including medical, dental and social services care.
Visit their website for more information: https://acornclinic.org/
Mobile Outreach Clinic
Volunteers can work as much or as little as they want. Visit this website for more information: https://outreach.med.ufl.edu/volunteers/clinical-volunteers/
Camp Boggy Creek
This is a camp for children with serious illnesses and their families.
They take year-long, retreat, and summer volunteers.
Find more information at: https://www.boggycreek.org/volunteers/get-involved/ or email Carrie at volunteer@campboggycreek.org
Non-Clinical Volunteering
Non-Clinical volunteering is your opportunity to find things that you are passionate about. To list these would be infinite as UF, Gainesville, and other areas have many options. This consists of any un-paid time that you give to help others. This is also an excellent opportunity to find leadership positions. I am involved in YoungLife Capernaum, Dance Marathon, Chem 1 TA, Project Makeover, and contraCOVID.
UF has a database with all their volunteer opportunities that you should check out! http://gatorsvolunteer.ufl.edu/
Final Thoughts
It is always better to do a few long-term things than a bunch of short ones. Use volunteering to get exposed to something you are interested in, and remember to keep applying if you don't get into specific organizations the first time!
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