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.
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.
See below for more information on our ongoing volunteer opportunities across various departments.
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.)
The Volunteer Gift Shop role supports Gift Shop staff in creating a welcoming environment for patients, families, and visitors. Volunteers assist with daily operations and keeping the store organized and well-stocked.
Shift times: Tuesday through Thursday (11 a.m. to 2 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.
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
Reiki Practitioners
The Volunteer Reiki Practitioner provides therapeutic Reiki sessions to Cancer Center patients, offering personalized treatments to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support natural healing. Volunteers create a calming environment, helping patients find emotional balance and physical relief during treatment
Shift times: Monday through Friday (shift times can be flexible)
* Volunteers must have a reiki certification
Short-Term Volunteer Opportunity
If you aren’t available for one of our ongoing 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.
Newborns In Need (NIN)
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 NIN program, please click here.
To view and sign up for packing sessions, please fill out this application.
This short-term volunteer opportunity does not involve any direct contact with patients and does not require the same onboarding procedures as our ongoing volunteer roles.
