April 1, 2022
Healthcare equity doesn't happen by accident. It doesn't happen through awareness campaigns alone, through well-intentioned policy papers, or through social media hashtags. It happens when people show up—consistently, compassionately, and ready to work.
At Health Matters Clinic, volunteers aren't just helpful. They're essential. They're the backbone of our mobile clinics, the heart of our wellness meetups, the hands that make street medicine outreach possible. They're community members who've decided that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of ability to pay, immigration status, housing situation, or zip code.
If you've ever thought, "I wish I could help," here's your answer: You can. And we need you.
The short answer? Everyone.
The slightly longer answer? We need people with medical training and people with absolutely no healthcare background. We need bilingual community members and people who only speak English. We need early risers who can staff morning health fairs and night owls available for evening wellness meetups. We need drivers, organizers, listeners, problem-solvers, and people willing to simply show up and ask, "What can I do?"
You don't need to be a nurse or doctor to save lives. You need to care about your community and be willing to give your time.
Our mobile health team brings medical services, mental health support, and resource connections directly to communities that lack traditional healthcare infrastructure—including monthly outreach on Skid Row. Volunteers help with:
Client intake and registration, ensuring people get connected to the right services quickly. Health screenings like blood pressure checks, glucose monitoring, and basic vitals assessment (training provided for non-medical volunteers). Resource navigation, helping people understand what services are available and how to access them. Translation services for our multilingual communities. Simply being present—sometimes people just need someone to listen, to treat them with dignity, to see them as human.
Time commitment: Typically 3-4 hours per outreach event, monthly opportunities available
What you'll need: Compassion, reliability, willingness to meet people where they are (literally and figuratively)
Our monthly Unstoppable wellness meetups create safe spaces for authentic conversation about mental health, self-care, and community support. These aren't clinical therapy sessions—they're community gatherings focused on connection and healing. Volunteers help with:
Facilitating small group discussions, creating space for people to share their experiences. Setting up and breaking down event spaces. Greeting attendees and helping people feel welcome. Coordinating activities like mindfulness exercises, art therapy, or movement-based wellness. Following up with participants who need additional resources or support.
Time commitment: 2-3 hours per meetup, held monthly at Curtis Tucker Center in Inglewood
What you'll need: Empathy, non-judgmental presence, ability to hold space for difficult conversations
We partner with community organizations to bring comprehensive health services—screenings, education, vaccinations, resource connections—directly to neighborhoods. Health fairs are high-energy, high-impact events where volunteers are crucial. You might:
Staff registration tables and help people check in. Assist with health screenings under supervision of medical professionals. Distribute educational materials and answer basic questions about services. Coordinate logistics like parking, supplies, and crowd flow. Document impact through photos and stories (with participant permission).
Time commitment: 4-6 hours per event, several events per quarter
What you'll need: Organizational skills, friendly demeanor, ability to handle multiple tasks in fast-paced environment
Not everyone wants to be in front of people, and that's okay. Behind-the-scenes work matters just as much. If you have skills in writing, design, social media, translation, or research, we need you for:
Translating health education materials into Spanish, Korean, Armenian, or other languages spoken in our communities. Creating culturally relevant health content for social media and newsletters. Researching health topics and compiling resources. Designing flyers, graphics, and promotional materials for events. Recording and editing video content for educational purposes.
Time commitment: Flexible, can often be done remotely
What you'll need: Specific skills in your area of contribution, ability to meet deadlines, alignment with HMC's mission and voice
Every organization needs people handling the unglamorous but essential work that keeps everything running. We need volunteers who can:
Help with data entry and record organization. Assist with grant research and writing. Support fundraising campaign coordination. Manage volunteer scheduling and coordination. Help with supply inventory and procurement.
Time commitment: Flexible, 2-4 hours weekly or project-based
What you'll need: Attention to detail, basic computer skills, reliability
Let's be real: Volunteering with HMC isn't easy. You'll meet people dealing with circumstances most people never see. You'll witness systemic failures up close. You'll leave some days frustrated by how much need exists and how limited resources are.
But you'll also experience something increasingly rare: direct, tangible impact.
You'll see someone's blood pressure reading come back dangerously high and watch as they get connected to follow-up care that might prevent a stroke. You'll help someone navigate the healthcare system they've been too intimidated to access. You'll watch community form in real-time during wellness meetups as people realize they're not alone in their struggles. You'll be part of the solution instead of just talking about problems.
Specific benefits for volunteers:
Training in community health, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care. Letters of recommendation for students pursuing healthcare or social service careers. Networking with healthcare professionals and community organizers. Experience that looks incredible on resumes and grad school applications. Most importantly: the knowledge that you're part of building healthcare infrastructure that exists outside political dysfunction, that shows up regardless of government shutdowns, that treats everyone with dignity.
We keep it simple because we want to spend time serving community, not drowning in bureaucracy.
Step 1: Fill out the volunteer application
Tell us about yourself, your availability, your skills, and how you want to contribute. This takes about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Attend a volunteer orientation
We host orientations monthly (in-person and virtual options available). You'll learn about HMC's history and mission, meet current volunteers and staff, understand our approach to community health, get an overview of volunteer opportunities, and ask questions.
Step 3: Complete required trainings
Depending on your volunteer role, you may need to complete trainings in HIPAA and patient privacy, cultural competency and health equity, trauma-informed care, and specific skill-based training for your role.
Step 4: Start making impact
We'll match you with opportunities that fit your skills, interests, and availability. You'll never be thrown into situations unprepared—there's always support and supervision.
Do I need medical training?
Absolutely not. While we welcome healthcare professionals, the majority of our volunteers have no medical background. We need people who care, show up consistently, and treat everyone with respect.
I don't speak Spanish or other languages—can I still help?
Yes! While multilingual volunteers are incredibly valuable, plenty of volunteer roles don't require language skills. And honestly, a warm smile and genuine care transcend language barriers.
How much time do I need to commit?
It varies. Some volunteers come to one event per month (3-4 hours). Others volunteer weekly. We work with your schedule—consistent small contributions matter more than sporadic large ones.
I'm a student—can I get volunteer hours or credit?
Absolutely. We work with schools, universities, and professional programs to ensure you get credit for your service. We also provide letters of recommendation for students.
What if I try it and realize it's not for me?
That's totally fine. We appreciate you trying. Not every volunteer opportunity is the right fit for every person. We'd rather you be honest than burn out or show up resentfully.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
For most opportunities, volunteers must be 18+. However, we occasionally have family-friendly events where younger volunteers can participate with parental supervision.
Do you do background checks?
For certain roles involving vulnerable populations or handling sensitive information, yes. This is about protecting the communities we serve.
Healthcare equity requires all of us. It requires medical professionals willing to serve outside traditional clinical settings. It requires community members who know their neighborhoods and can build trust. It requires people with specific skills—language, tech, organization, creativity. It requires people who simply show up with open hearts and willing hands.
The question isn't whether you're qualified. The question is whether you're willing.
If the answer is yes, we're ready for you.
Questions? Email us at volunteer@healthmatters.clinic or call (404) 904-6355.
Because when government fails, community shows up. And community is you.