Volunteers at Denver Health make a lasting impact by offering comfort and companionship to our patients. While they don't participate in clinical activities, they provide essential support that enhances the patient experience across many hospital areas. Whether lending a listening ear or easing the stress of a hospital visit, our volunteers bring comfort to those who need it most.
Denver Health offers ongoing volunteer opportunities and short-term or one-time opportunities
Ongoing volunteer opportunities
Many volunteers begin their journey with us through the Pathfinder Program, which includes four roles: Outpatient Medical Center Pathfinder, Rounder, Cozy Cart and Floater. These roles offer a great introduction, allowing volunteers to explore various positions and find the best fit for their skills and interests.
The Volunteer Patient Experience OMC Pathfinder is an ambassador for Denver Health, enhancing the visit experience for patients at our Outpatient Medical Center. Volunteers collaborate with the Information Desk staff to guide patients to their appointments, assist with wheelchairs, and address common questions or concerns.
Shift times: Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
The Volunteer Patient Experience Rounder brings joy and comfort to patients in our inpatient units. Volunteers visit door-to-door, offering companionship through walks, conversation, and games like board or card games.
Shift times: Sunday through Saturday (1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
The Volunteer Patient Experience Cozy Cart provides comfort to patients across the hospital. Volunteers visit patient rooms, offering items like books, magazines, art supplies, blankets, and other essentials to help make a patient’s stay more comfortable.
Shift times: Monday through Thursday (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and Friday (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
The Volunteer Patient Experience Floater serves as a liaison between Pavilions A and L. Volunteers assist Volunteer Rounders with log entries, fulfill overnight patient requests, provide office support to Volunteer Services and the SICU, and help with Pathfinder tasks in the Outpatient Medical Center.
Shift times: Monday through Friday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
The Volunteer Cancer Center Grant Clinic and Palliative Care Grant Clinic roles were created to support patients in identifying and securing grants that can help alleviate the financial challenges associated with their treatment. Volunteers in this role work with staff members to research available grant opportunities, guide patients through applications, provide step-by-step support and assist with technology.
Shift times: Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
Shift times can be flexible
The Volunteer Child Life/Pediatric role supports our youngest patients and their families. Volunteers engage children in therapeutic play, maintain a welcoming environment, and assist the Child Life team with setting up patient rooms.
Shift times: Monday through Friday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and some Saturdays (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
The Volunteer Emergency Department role supports staff and helps ease stress in our fast-paced Level 1 Trauma Center. Volunteers act as concierges in the waiting area, restock supply carts, turn over empty rooms, and assist with the pediatric ED as needed.
Shift times: Sunday through Saturday (8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.)
Pet Therapy
The Volunteer Pet Therapy role provides comfort and emotional support to patients, families, and staff by offering moments of joy and connection through visits with trained therapy animals. Volunteers help reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and isolation while promoting relaxation and communication. Volunteers must maintain certification and yearly registration by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs or Pet Partners.
Shift times: Sunday through Saturday (shift times can be flexible)
*To find out more about our Pet Therapy program or apply as a team, please click here.
Music Volunteers
Music Volunteers provide ongoing therapeutic sessions for patients. These volunteers enhance patients’ comfort and healing by providing soothing music in our health care setting.
Shift times: Sunday through Saturday (shift times can be flexible)
* Music Volunteers may need to provide proof of proficiency in their instrument. For one-time performance opportunities, click here.
Yoga Practitioners
The Volunteer Yoga Practitioner offers therapeutic yoga sessions for patients and staff across Denver Health. By promoting relaxation, stress relief, and overall wellness through mindful movement and breathing, volunteers enhance the hospital’s healing environment and support physical and mental well-being.
Shift Times: Monday through Saturday (shift times can be flexible)
* Volunteers must have a yoga certification
Short-Term and One-time Volunteer Opportunities
Denver Health offers short-term or one-time opportunities for individuals, families or groups. Many of these opportunities do not involve direct contact with patients and do not require the same onboarding process as our ongoing volunteer roles.
Hello, Little One
Half of all babies born in Denver are delivered at Denver Health, with nearly 90% of these families facing financial challenges. Thanks to community donations, each newborn receives a care package with essentials like diapers, blankets, and clothing to support their first days of life. Volunteers help prepare these packages through regular packing sessions, typically lasting two hours. It’s a meaningful opportunity to give back, whether individually, with a friend, or as part of a small group.
To learn more about the Hello, Little One program, click here.
Performing Arts Volunteer
Performing Arts Volunteers share their artistic talents to bring moments of joy, comfort, and connection to patients, families, and staff. These are one-time, scheduled performances that may include music, vocal ensembles, dance, theater, poetry readings, or other performing arts. Volunteers may perform in public areas of the hospital, such as lobbies, waiting rooms, or designated event spaces, to help create a welcoming and uplifting environment. This role is ideal for individuals or groups wishing to contribute their artistic gifts to enhance the hospital experience.
*For more information, please reach out to volunteerservices@dhha.org or call 303-602-2926.
Service Project Volunteer
Service Project Volunteers support our patients, families, and programs by completing meaningful projects off-site and donating the finished items to the hospital. Projects may include making comfort blankets, creating cards for patients, assembling mini floral arrangements, organizing book drives, collecting baby supplies for our Hello, Little One program, creating small hygiene kits, or other similar efforts. This flexible, independent role is ideal for individuals, community groups, or organizations looking to make a positive impact from their own space and on their own schedule.
*For more information, please reach out to volunteerservices@dhha.org or call 303-602-2926.
