Join us and make a difference
Connect2Health volunteers work closely with local underserved populations in clinical settings. Volunteers pair individuals with local resources to help meet basic needs while empowering patients to take charge of their health. Connect2Health team members learn communication skills through patient interaction, gain insight into vulnerable populations, and experience what it is like to work in environments where healthcare is provided.
Volunteer Application Cycles
Connect2Health opens up applications regularly, three times a year,
for any open positions with our community and campus partners.
Check back during these times
to see if Connect2Health is accepting applications for new volunteers
- Summer Semester: March 15–April 29 (extended deadline to May 6)
- Fall Semester: July 15–August 15
- Spring Semester: October 15–November 15
- Questions? Visit our FAQs page
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether it's your first time volunteering or you're a seasoned volunteer, you have questions, and we have answers.
Questions About Volunteering and COVID-19
Is COVID-19 going to affect our ability to volunteer?
We are faced with an unprecedented situation, but we are looking into ways to move forward and deal with it in the best way possible. Though in-person shifts have been discontinued for the semester, we are using this opportunity to brainstorm new ways we can continue to have a positive impact on the community. We are currently looking into options for alternative methods of serving patients, such as remote volunteering. We are remaining hopeful that the situation will improve in the near future and are still looking to get as many new applicants as possible. We will be sure to communicate any updates as the situation continues to evolve.
How will volunteers serve their shifts during the quarantine?
Volunteers are currently serving shifts remotely. Clinical providers will provide volunteers with a list of patients to conduct outreach calls with. Volunteers will interact with patients over the phone, going through a social needs screener to determine what areas they can help with. Then, using a database of resources created by Connect2Health, volunteers will compile a list of resources addressing the patient’s unique situation. Volunteers will then send these resources to the patient over email.
Common Questions
Do I need to be a certain major to join Connect2Health?
No, Connect2Health tends to attract those in the pre-health and social work fields of study, but is open to everybody from all majors!
Do I need to be a current student at the University of Utah to apply for Connect2Health?
No, students from other colleges and universities, as well as recent graduates have all volunteered with Connect2Health..
Why is this a good opportunity for those going into healthcare?
C2H allows for undergraduate students to obtain patient experience along with building connections with those in various clinics and various roles in healthcare. During our bi-monthly meetings we usually hear from various clinicians about their jobs, what they did to get to where they are now, and where they think healthcare is heading in the future. Over the past year we have heard from burn surgeons, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Pediatricians, the diversity director at the U of U PA school, DWS agents, etc.
Still have questions? Contact us!
Contact our Recruitment Chair
Connect2Health.Recruitment@health.utah.edu
Volunteer Application Cycles
Connect2Health opens up applications regularly, three times a year,
for any open positions with our community and campus partners.
Check back during these times
to see if Connect2Health is accepting applications for new volunteers
- Summer Semester: March 15–April 29 (extended deadline to May 6)
- Fall Semester: July 15–August 15
- Spring Semester: October 15–November 15
- Questions? Visit our FAQs page
Volunteer Expectations
General volunteers serve one three-hour shift per week and attend bi-weekly reflection sessions. AmeriCorps volunteers serve two three-hour shifts per week and attend weekly reflection sessions.
Timeline to Becoming a Volunteer
Applications for the coming term open at the end of each academic semester. After completing the Connect2Health application, prospective volunteers will also fill out applications for volunteering at the University of Utah Hospital and Fourth Street Clinic. Once both of these applications are completed, prospective volunteers will be invited to attend an interview session. After interviews, invitations to join the Connect2Health team will be sent to selected new members. If selected, new volunteers must attend a mandatory volunteer training session, complete shadow shifts, and comply with site-specific onboarding procedures.
What Our Volunteers Say
"My name is Braydon, I was born and raised in the Salt Lake valley and love living in Utah. I am currently in the final stages of a Kinesiology degree from the University of Utah, and I plan on attending medical school in the near future.
A common theme that I have tried to instill throughout my volunteering is, start with empathy. I feel that true empathy is a critical component of effective healthcare, and that is why I chose to volunteer with Connect2Health. Each of the programs I have been a part of have allowed me to experience direct contact with the patients and address their needs in an intimate and meaningful way. Connect2Health has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of the community while helping me understand what genuine empathy is and truly grow on a personal level." - Braydon, volunteer
Apply Now!
Now accepting new volunteer applications for Summer and Fall 2020.
Donate to Connect2Health
You can help the Connect2Health program continue to progress with even a small contribution.
Have Questions?
Contact our Recruitment Chair: