Welcome to the Department of Volunteer Services

Located throughout Harris County, the Harris Health Community Health Centers provide more than 800,000 primary care doctor visits and more than 300,000 specialty appointments each year. Harris Health is the largest public primary care health network in the state of Texas, and has one of the most extensive outpatient networks among Texas Medical Center institutions. These placements bring volunteers to the front lines of health care service in our community.

Located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, Ben Taub Hospital has garnered respect both locally and worldwide as an outstanding acute care facility and an elite Level I trauma center. This 402 licensed-bed hospital houses the Ginni and Richard Mithoff Trauma Center, which cares for more than 80,000 emergency patients each year and is known to save the lives of some of the most critically injured. Volunteers serve in areas throughout the hospital, from clinical environments to patient experience roles.

Located in Northeast Houston, Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital is a 215 licensed-bed acute care hospital offering a full range of medical services. LBJ Hospital is a verified Level III trauma center and was the first such center designated in Texas. It also is the state's busiest Level III trauma center, with more than 80,000 emergency patient visits each year. Volunteers directly impact patient interactions, from patient experience to assisting staff in clinical spaces.

Harris Health is leading the way in our community by investing in resources and partnerships to better understand and address health-related social needs. We're using what we've learned from our patients to design and implement a transformative model of care, one that cultivates nurturing relationships with our patients, and partners with community organizations to improve our patients' total well-being. Volunteer placements assist with providing meaningful solutions and support to help our patients achieve healthier outcomes and a better quality of life.

Harris Health Volunteer Services partners with universities, medical institutions, and community organizations to create unique and targeted programs. Volunteers in these placements provide service in programs that would not exist without these partnerships and their volunteer support.

The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) consists of patients and family members who have had recent experiences with Harris Health. PFAC members represent the voice of patients and can provide input on programs, policies, procedures and processes that contribute to a positive patient experience. If you are interested in joining one of our councils, please submit an application.

Pet therapy is a welcome respite for patients and staff alike! This wonderful service can be provided by both individual volunteers and groups, and scheduled per volunteer availability on weekdays, evenings, and weekends. All pet therapy animals must be certified through an AKC-recognized Pet Therapy organization.

Virtual Placements provide volunteers opportunities to serve the community, but with flexibility to work from the comfort of home, as many volunteers balance a busy schedule of work, school, and personal lives. Virtual volunteers are not required to complete medical clearance, and all trainings are held virtually.

The Junior Volunteer Program builds vital partnerships with students who are interested in making a difference in the lives of others. Students are provided with an opportunity to explore the healthcare field while enriching the lives of our patients and giving back to the community. Applications open in February.

Not sure where to start? Click here to see all the volunteer placements we have to offer.