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Volunteers

We have a diverse group of volunteers from all walks of life having one thing in common, a desire to help others.

In 1952 the Service League Volunteer organization was founded at Salinas Valley Memorial. As the program grew, a department of Volunteer Services was developed in 1957. Hospital volunteers provide support services for many programs and activities, which include Information Services, LIFELINE, Telecare, Hospital Tours, Museum of Medical History Tours, Career Pathway Program for student volunteers, Pet Therapy, Patient Ambassadors, Mended Hearts Visitors, Spiritual Care Volunteers, and the Gift Shop. In addition, the Volunteer Services Department supports health career education through programs such as Medical Adventure Camp and Summer Health Institute, as well as an ongoing partnership with local Regional Occupational Programs. Many of the services we provide would not be possible without the volunteers who commit their time to helping others.

To support our team of outstanding volunteers who make these services possible, please contact us at 831-755-0772 or email: volunteer@SalinasValleyHealth.com.

complete a volunteer application

2024 Summer Health Institute

Summer Health Institute (SHI) was developed in 2003 to provide selected students an opportunity to gain insight into health careers and community health needs from a variety of healthcare professionals as they describe their role in the delivery of healthcare in the hospital and the community. During the five-weeks of SHI, students will hear presentations from physicians, nurses, and support clinicians such as respiratory care practitioners, radiology technologists, pharmacists, dietitians, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, laboratory scientists, case managers, and more as well as hospital board members, administrators, and department managers.

Click the buttons to see more information about the program and for the Student Application with Teacher Referral Form.

SHI 2024
Informational Flyer
Student Application with
Teacher Referral Form

Did you know that our Volunteer Service Department has specially trained volunteers and Service League members who can help you give that extra measure of care and comfort to patients? Here are just some of the services provided by our team of volunteers.

Administrative Services volunteers provide clerical support for various projects or specific departments.

Bilingual Telecare volunteers that are fluent in Spanish and English have the opportunity to make a difference by daily check-in calls from the comfort of their home. Telecare is used to expand patient well-being.

Community Outreach volunteers support health promotion activities, Blue Zones projects, health fairs, and career fairs.

Crafters for Baby Hats volunteer from home, hat patterns are available but creativity is highly encouraged.

Emergency Department volunteers greet, make rounds and escort patients and family members.

Emergency Department Care Partners assist patients, families, and staff with non-clinical support such as patient rounding, stocking supplies, and wheelchair transportation.

Guest Services Ambassadors assist in the main lobby greeting, escorting and making deliveries.

Gift Shop volunteers assist customers in shop, promote the shop and set up displays in cafeteria.

Health Explorer Leadership is an opportunity to support our student leaders of Post 450. Adult mentors assist with this enrichment program to help volunteers (ages 15-20) achieve success through leadership and character development, social and professional networking, and community service.

Lifeline volunteers install 24-hour personal emergency response units in patient homes and promote the benefits of the program.

Medical Museum volunteers guide second and third-grade students through an interactive tour of the Medical Museum. Tours are done by appointments only.

Mended Hearts visitors provide support to heart patients and their families through hospital visits or phone support. Learn more here.

Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic volunteers help by greeting and directing visitor traffic.

Museum Docents and Hospital Tour Guides assist with onsite school and special request tours, including virtual tours.

Nancy Ausonio Breast Health Center volunteers assist patients as they arrive and help make them comfortable throughout their visit.

No One Dies Alone volunteers offer support to patients who are at life's final stages if family or friends are unavailable.

Pet Therapy volunteers along with their certified Therapy Dogs International-certified companions, visit with patients and family members.

Patient Support volunteers assist our Patient Experience Team by making rounds to patient rooms with the hospitality cart.

Spiritual Care volunteers provide spiritual care to patients and families, specific to the patient request.

Veteran Recognition volunteers honor our Salinas Valley Health Veteran inpatients by donating patriotic lap blankets or the materials for other volunteers to create these handmade and meaningful gifts. Learn more here.