Volunteer Services

Most people intuitively understand that petting a dog can be therapeutic. Research now shows that pets can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and enhance healing. YRMC’s Pets Are Warm Support (PAWS) program puts this information into action. PAWS volunteers and their trained dogs are available to visit patients in their hospital rooms. YRMC is affiliated with Pet Partners, which evaluates and tests all animals to ensure that their health, skills and aptitude meet rigorous standards. To arrange a PAWS visit, check with your caregiver first and then call Volunteer Services.

In a spirit of loving concern, spiritual aid and comfort are offered to all YRMC patients, their families, and to hospital personnel according to their beliefs and desire without violating the individual’s religious tradition. Our chaplains are trained, experienced counselors as well as clergy. They complement the YRMC healing team that meets the total-care needs of patients and their families. To request a chaplain visit contact your caregiver.

YRMC’s volunteers assist caregivers at:

• YRMC East
• YRMC West
• YRMC Del E. Webb Outpatient Center
• YRMC PhysicianCare Offices
• YRMC Outreach Programs

Volunteers serve patients in patient care areas, ranging from the Intensive Care Unit to the Emergency Department to other departments.

If you’re looking for an unfamiliar area at YRMC East or YRMC West, it’s likely one of our volunteers will guide you to your destination. They operate a courtesy shuttle at YRMC East and YRMC West to take visitors to and from the hospital entrance. Our volunteers will also escort you throughout both facilities.

Many volunteers work “behind the scenes” in areas that support YRMC’s patient-focused mission. 

Our volunteers organize the File of Life program at the hospital and in the community. File of Life is available to all YRMC patients as well as people in our community. Available free of charge, the File of Life is a red magnetic folder that can be attached to the refrigerator of your home. The folder is designed to organize important information including, emergency contacts, medical conditions, medications, medical insurance and advance directive forms. The folder includes a window sticker that alerts paramedics that a File of Life is in the home. For information about the File of Life, including community presentations, contact Volunteer Services.

Volunteer Services coordinates music and pet therapy for patients. Additionally, you will see our volunteers at reception areas throughout YRMC East and YRMC West. You can learn more by contacting Volunteer Services: YRMC East at 928.442.8678, or YRMC West at 928.771.5678.

These services are free, thanks to our volunteers who generously give their talent and time to ensure these complementary therapies are available to YRMC’s patients.

YRMC’s Chaplain of the Day is available round-the-clock through Pastoral Care. In an emergency, your caregiver also can call your chaplain, pastor, priest, rabbi or other faith leader. If you want to see a chaplain—and there is no emergency—please ask a caregiver or leave a message at the nurses’ station. The Chaplain’s offices and the chapels are located next to the main entrances of YRMC East and YRMC West.

If you are 14 years or older, you can apply to volunteer at YRMC.

The first steps include completing an application and participating in an interview. During the interview, you can share your volunteer interests and availability so that we can find a volunteer experience that is fulfilling to you and beneficial to the patients of YRMC. To begin the application process, contact Volunteer Services: YRMC East at 928.442.8678, or YRMC West at 928.771.5678.

Our Volunteer Services staff will match your interests and abilities with our available openings. We want to ensure that your volunteer experience will be a satisfying, worthwhile experience. If you have specific talents that you wish to explore, please contact the Volunteer Services staff to further discuss your area of interest.

In most cases, we ask that volunteers commit to six months of service and a weekly schedule; however, we will discuss your specific availability during the interview.

You will attend a volunteer orientation and training will be provided in your specific area. Also, a TB test, provided by the hospital, and the completion of a background screening form are required to volunteer at YRMC. You can also contact Volunteer Services: YRMC East at 928.442.8678, or YRMC West at 928.771.5678.