Polytrauma centers

VA has four regional polytrauma centers and 17 network polytrauma centers. These facilities treat veterans and returning servicemembers for traumatic brain injury, amputation, blindness or other visual impairment, complex orthopedic injuries and mental-health concerns. These patients and their family members have many needs. Ask your local VA hospital’s chief of voluntary service how to help.
www.polytrauma.va.gov

VA community-based outpatient clinics

Community-based outpatient clinics are designed to improve veterans’ access to primary care by providing it in local communities. Volunteer opportunities include making coffee, answering phones and scheduling appointments. Each CBOC has a VA administrative officer who certifies volunteer hours.

Fisher House

The Fisher House Foundation provides lodging and other support for families visiting military and VA hospitals for extended periods of time while their loved ones receive care. Donations of paper goods, linens, food, books and videos are needed. Fund-raising efforts support existing Fisher Houses and build new ones. For more information or to get involved, ask your VA hospital’s chief of voluntary service.
www.fisherhouse.org/

State veterans homes

Volunteers at state veterans homes help plan social events, assist with transportation, direct patient care, coordinate food and beverage services, and answer phones. Volunteers receive the same recognition and credit for hours as VAVS volunteers.
www.nasvh.org/home/index.cfm

Vet Centers

Vet Centers offer veterans and their families professional readjustment counseling, community education and outreach to special populations, and more. Vet Centers work with community organizations and are a key link between veterans and other services available within VA. Opportunities include answering phones, making coffee, transportation, and planning holiday and social activities.
www.vetcenter.va.gov/

Youth volunteers (VolunTeens)

VA offers excellent opportunities for youth exploring career options and looking to gain experience in health care and learn new skills. Volunteering helps students enhance their résumés and college applications, secure a better job during summers, and open doors to networking with community and business leaders. Students can also qualify for the James H. Parke Scholarship if they log 100 or more hours, are in 10th grade or higher, and have not reached their 19th birthday.
www1.va.gov/volunteer/studentprgm.cfm