Celebrating National Volunteer Week

Apr 20, 2026

To our extraordinary healthcare and administrative volunteers at Downstate Health Sciences University, thank you for being the heart of our mission to #KeepCareClose for the community we serve. In every department and every interaction, your compassion, patience, and willingness to give your time, bring comfort and support that strengthens our entire hospital.

Whether you are helping patients feel welcome, guiding families during stressful moments, supporting staff behind the scenes, or keeping our administrative processes running smoothly, your contributions remind us that care goes far beyond medicine. It lives in the way you listen, the warmth of your smile and the dignity you show everyone who walks through our doors.

Thank you for showing up, being the steady hands, a source of strength, and uplifting spirits that keep our work moving forward. We value your presence. And we are grateful for the light you bring to Downstate every day. 

We celebrate you today and always.

Among the many volunteers who make an impact each day, our staff support volunteers reflect on how the experience has shaped their understanding of healthcare and the community. 

Over the past eight months I have had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer in one of the clinics as clerical support. I have gained valuable knowledge by observing staff and healthcare professionals in the way they interact with patients and the community. This has strengthened my work ethic and enhanced my skills, including answering phones, notifying patients of their scheduled appointment, and maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Volunteering has also allowed me to build meaningful relationships with staff and other healthcare professionals. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to support my community and I consider volunteering to be both fulfilling and rewarding.​

 Volunteering in the CCU unit at Downstate has been a very rewarding experience and growth opportunity as a clerical staff assistant.  I have had the privilege of working alongside nurses, technicians, and other skilled healthcare professionals who demonstrated both exceptional expertise and genuine compassion. My assignment at the nurse’s station has allowed me to contribute through clerical support, while gaining meaningful insight into the administrative side of healthcare.

Through this experience, I have learned how various departments and roles within the hospital system collaborate to achieve the common goal  of providing high quality care to patients. These interactions have not only enriched my understanding of healthcare, but have inspired me on my own career path.

My desire is to enroll in medical school this year, and the knowledge and exposure I have gained through volunteering have strengthened my commitment to serving in the medical field.

Happy Volunteer Week, Your Service Truly Matters!

Tags: Commemorative Months