UTMB calls on Galveston retirees to join growing volunteer network

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is encouraging retirees across Galveston County to become volunteers at the Galveston campus-an opportunity to provide comfort, guidance, and support to patients and families while staying active and engaged in the community.

Retirees offer the steady, year-round presence needed to enhance the experience of patients and visitors.

"Retirees bring so much value-warmth, life experience, and the time to truly make a difference for someone who may be anxious, lost, or in need of a friendly face," said Holly Jolin, volunteer services coordinator.

A range of roles to fit every interest

Volunteers assist in UTMB hospitals and clinics, from greeting visitors and helping them navigate appointments to serving on adult medical-surgical units or supporting services like the coffee cart or library cart.

"We truly have a place for everyone," Jolin said. "Whether someone wants a patient-facing role or prefers something like greeting guests at the front desk, we match each volunteer with a role that fits their comfort and strengths."

Volunteer perspectives are also a key component of UTMB patient experience initiatives. Volunteers are encouraged to share what they see as patients or visitors themselves, from signage to wayfinding, to help UTMB identify ways to enhance experiences for future patients.

Growing programs across UTMB campuses

Volunteer participation across the system continues to grow, especially at the League City and Clear Lake campuses, which have more youth volunteers due to the proximity to numerous high schools. They support many nonclinical roles and gain meaningful experience in a health care setting. Popular roles include greeting visitors, assisting families, and supporting hospitality services.

"We recently had a student who served as a patient visitor navigator at the front desk, helping people get to appointments," Jolin said. "He absolutely loved it, and it was a huge help to our staff and patients."

College students who are interested in health care careers can also gain important experience as volunteers.

How to join

Adults and teens who want to support the UTMB mission can complete an application, attend orientation, and explore the many meaningful roles available across UTMB locations.

"Every volunteer, whether retired, working, or in school, contributes something special," Jolin said. "We're excited to welcome even more members of our community into this work."

Apply today or learn more about Volunteer Services at UTMB.