From blood drives to companionship: Six ways to make a difference in healthcare

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December is National Volunteering Month, a time to recognize the power of giving back and to inspire others to make a difference.

One of the most impactful ways to volunteer is in the healthcare sector, where your time, skills, or even your blood can help save lives. What’s more, volunteering in healthcare is a powerful way to put compassion into action, where you can find real ways to serve others, grow personally, and strengthen your community.

6 meaningful ways to contribute

  1. Volunteer at a hospital or clinic

Many hospitals welcome volunteers to assist with administrative tasks, patient transport, or simply offering companionship to patients and families. Some responsibilities may include:

  • Greeting and directing visitors
  • Delivering meals or flowers
  • Assisting with clerical work
  • Providing companionship to patients
  • Supporting fundraising events
  • Helping in gift shops or waiting rooms

These tasks may seem small, but they make a big difference in the daily operations of healthcare facilities and the emotional well-being of patients.

  1. Donate blood or platelets

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Donating blood is a quick, safe, and powerful way to help patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, or trauma care.

  1. Support mental health organizations

You can volunteer as a crisis line responder, peer support advocate, or help with outreach and education efforts.

  1. Deliver meals or medications

Programs like Meals on Wheels or local pharmacies often need volunteers to deliver essential items to homebound patients.

  1. Provide support at senior centers or nursing homes

At many nursing homes or senior centers, you can provide companionship, lead activities, or assist with the delivery or collection of meals.

  1. Fundraising and advocacy

Many healthcare non-profits have a continuous need for volunteers who can help with fundraising, events, or social media outreach.

Organizations where you can start your healthcare volunteering journey:

  1. American Red Cross
    https://www.redcross.org
    From blood drives to disaster relief, the Red Cross offers a wide range of volunteer roles.
  2. Project HOPE
    https://www.projecthope.org
    This global health and humanitarian organization offers both domestic and international volunteer opportunities.
  3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
    https://www.nami.org
    Volunteer to support mental health education, advocacy, and peer support programs.
  4. Americares
    https://www.americares.org
    Help deliver medical aid and health programs to communities affected by poverty or disaster.
  5. Be The Match
    https://bethematch.org
    Join the bone marrow registry or volunteer to raise awareness about life-saving transplants.

Volunteering doesn’t have to be a grand gesture — it can be as simple as donating blood, making a phone call, or offering a few hours of your time. This December, consider how you can give back in a way that supports health, healing, and strength to your community.

Learn more about a day in the life of a volunteer and the surprising health benefits that come with it. 
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