As Charleston Area Medical Center volunteers, our mission is to serve as support for patients, families and hospital staff, and to provide a caring, comforting and courteous environment.
Volunteers at CAMC bring their unique personalities and skills to our hospital. They range in age from 15 to 101. Our ranks are made up of men and women; students and retirees; homemakers and professionals.
We are looking for volunteers who exemplify our core values of respect, integrity, stewardship, quality and service with compassion and safety. These volunteers will help us with our mission of "striving to provide the best health care to every patient, every day."
Who can volunteer at CAMC?
Adults: Adults, 18 years or older must commit to serve a minimum of four hours per week and are required to serve a minimum one-year commitment. For this reason, we cannot accept short-term volunteers for the purpose of obtaining community service hours as a one-time requirement.
College Students: Students who are 18 years or older and enrolled at a college or university must commit to serving a minimum of four hours per week and are required to serve for the equivalent of a full academic school year. Students must apply by Sept. 1 of the academic year unless they are planning to serve for more than one academic year. For this reason, we cannot accept short-term volunteers for the purpose of obtaining community service hours as a one-time requirement. Volunteers must meet the minimum service requirement of one year or the equivalent to one school year AND must return CAMC identification badge and volunteer uniform before verification of hours will be provided.
VolunTeens: High school students 16 years of age or older who have completed the 10th grade must commit to serve at least four hours per week and a minimum of one year OR the equivalent of an academic school year. Teen applicants are required to submit two letters of reference when applying. Students can apply and on-board at any time and volunteer throughout the year. We cannot accept short-term volunteers for the purpose of obtaining community service hours for a one-time requirement. All VolunTeens are required to have a parent/guardian with them at their Volunteer 101 session. Volunteers must meet the minimum service requirement of one year or the equivalent to one school year AND must return CAMC identification badge and volunteer uniform before verification of hours will be provided.
CAMC Employees: Employees who wish to volunteer may not volunteer in a role that is similar to their paid role. However, volunteer services will work with you to find a rewarding opportunity in which to volunteer. Employee volunteers must commit to serve a minimum of 4 hours per week and are required to serve a minimum one-year commitment. For this reason, we cannot accept short-term volunteers for the purpose of obtaining community service hours as a one-time requirement.
CAMC Retirees: Employees who retire and begin volunteering within one year will continue to accrue years of service in the institution. Retiree volunteers must commit to serving a minimum of four hours per week and require a minimum of one-year commitment. For this reason, we cannot accept short-term volunteers for the purpose of obtaining community service hours as a one-time requirement.
Healing Hounds Pet Therapy Dogs: Certified dogs visit patients with their partners to provide comfort and smiles to patients, families and staff. All Healing Hounds teams must be certified through either Pet Partners, Therapy Dogs International or Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
What does a volunteer do to help CAMC?
Volunteers provide a variety of helpful services throughout our hospitals and are assigned a specific role through a matching process. Click here to view volunteer assignments.
Volunteer Auxiliary
The purpose of each CAMC Auxiliary is to render assistance to their respective hospitals and carry out projects that might improve patient care and morale. Each facility has its own auxiliary and auxiliary board which is made up of volunteers in good standing. The auxiliary’s purpose is to support and provide assistance to its respective hospital by providing time, talent and resources that help to support patient care and employee relationships within the hospital.
Through the years each auxiliary has donated an enormous amount of time and effort to CAMC. In addition to serving as volunteers throughout our hospitals, many auxiliary members help in fundraising efforts through activities such as book, jewelry or uniform sales at their respective hospitals. Monies raised at these events and through other opportunities support the needs of the hospital. Examples of items recently purchased through the auxiliaries to improve patient and visitor experiences include new furniture for the General Hospital ICU/Surgery waiting room; a contribution to the purchase of new diagnostic equipment for Memorial Hospital's EKG department; and crafts and art supplies for child life therapy at Women and Children's Hospital.