Howard University Hospital

Volunteer details

Contact name: Cynthia Livingston

Volunteer contact email: CLivingston@huhosp.org

In the late 1960s the coordinator of Community Resources, Pearlie P. McDaniel was very instrumental in placement of volunteers throughout Freedmen’s Hospital, founded in 1862. In 1975, Freedmen’s Hospital became Howard University Hospital (HUH) and Ms. McDaniel recruited and trained volunteers in the new hospital. The main objectives: 1) introduce volunteers to healthcare careers both by observation of the clinical and allied health areas and/or service to patients; 2) provide excellent service to Howard University Hospital patients and staff through a quality volunteer service; 3) participate in programs of the hospital; and 4) provide increased service to patients by supplementation of the paid staff. A charge to revamp the existing program by reinstatement of uniforms for all volunteers was given by the administration. Successful recruitment efforts were made through contact with community-wide public schools’ guidance counselors. Requests were made for teenage volunteers between the ages of 14-18. A dress code would be imminent. Female students would wear candy striped pinafores with white shirts, stockings and socks. Male students would wear red vests, white shirts and black pants. Blue jeans would not be allowed. Twenty-four (24) students were referred by Benjamin Banneker Academic High School. Twelve students attended the first volunteer orientation on November 22, 1995. These students were dressed and ready to serve Howard University Hospital by December 6, 1995. Red, white and black were chosen as the program colors in order to alleviate confusion with hospital staff uniforms at the time. For more information about volunteer opportunities at this hospital, visit the Howard University Hospital volunteer website.

Volunteer placements & services

Community Services; Dietary; Finance; Pediatrics; Environmental Services; Information Desk; Medical Records; Nursing; Patient Transportation; Physical Therapy; Printing and Duplicating; Radiology; Multicultural Affairs; Occupational Therapy

Application process

1. Complete application and provide two (2) letters of reference; may attach resume in lieu of employment history. Applications may be personally obtained by visiting Room 2054, or mailed/emailed at your request. 2. Background check obtained by the hospital. 3. Medical clearance to include history, immunization records (MMR, Tdap, HepB, Varicella), and proof of annual tuberculosis examination and influenza shot. For pediatric placement, nose and throat cultures and stool samples are needed. 4. Upon medical and background clearance, complete volunteer orientation to include Infection Control, Fire Safety, and Health Information/Patient Privacy.