Volunteer Services has several programs for various services and groups. All programs are designed to assist UC Davis Health System in its mission of education, research and public service. These programs add the extra dimension of sensitivity, support, friendliness and service that ease and brighten a patient's hospital stay or clinic visit.

Volunteer Services works with local colleges, universities and career schools in providing volunteering onsite at the medical center and exploration for 1,000 students per year. Students volunteer in various areas, assisting staff while improving their knowledge of healthcare professions and gaining personal satisfaction from their volunteer experience. UC Davis students, please call the Internship and Career Center at (530) 752-2823 for volunteer placement. Scholarships are awarded annually at local colleges and UC Davis. Check with the school's scholarship office for requirements.

Hospice care involves support for patients who are going through the dying process and their loved ones. Hospice volunteers are instrumental in providing needed support during this crucial time.

For more information please visit the hospice volunteering Web page or call the hospice volunteer coordinator at (916) 734-1139.

The Pets Helping Us Recover (PHUR) Program is designed to brighten a patient’s hospital stay. The program provides designated patients with a special visit from a friendly dog and volunteer. The PHUR program accepts volunteer applications from dedicated individuals whose dogs have the proper temperament and personality to perform visits with patients in a medical setting. Commitment is for two visits or more per month for a period of one year. Part of the application process before entering the program includes screening of the dog by an animal behaviorist, owner attending a volunteer orientation, lab tests for the dog and health clearance for the owner. To obtain a PHUR application packet, please call (916) 734-2401 and ask that a PHUR application be mailed to you. Visits may be made during the weekdays, early evening or weekends.

The Kiwanis Family House provides housing for families of hospitalized patients with life-threatening illnesses who live outside a 35-mile radius from the Health System. Financial support for the House is provided through the Kiwanis Clubs fundraising projects throughout Northern California. UC Davis Health System and Kiwanis collaborate together to provide this vital service to patients.

Residency in the Kiwanis Family House is determined by Clinical Social Services and is by referral only. Call social services (916) 734-2234 for more information.

For more information about the Kiwanis Family House, please view their Web site.

UC Davis Students interested in volunteering are to contact Internship and Career Office on campus at (530) 753-2823 for placement information.

The VolunTeen program is designed to acquaint high school students with the roles and responsibilities of the various healthcare occupations. Students have the opportunity to learn valuable job skills, observe treatment procedures and interact with staff while making a difference. Three VolunTeen scholarships are awarded annually.

The Volunteer Services Advisory Board is a group of dedicated, active community volunteers with a strong commitment to volunteerism and to the UC Davis Health System. The Board supports fundraising events to provide funds for programs and equipment for the hospital and clinics and scholarships to health system volunteers in local colleges and universities. To date, the Board has provided UC Davis Health System with $1.8 million in programs and equipment.