Contact Us
Volunteer Services
UPMC Shadyside
5230 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412-623-2017
SHYvolunteer@upmc.edu
Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
UPMC Shadyside
5230 Centre Avenue
Mail Stop HSY020308
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412-623-HELP
helpvolref@upmc.edu
Learn more about UPMC Volunteer Services or view Frequently Asked Volunteer Questions.
"My position allowed me to get to know the patients beyond a simple 'Hi, how are you doing?' On most days, I kept company with patients who might not have received many visitors. I listened to them share stories of how they met their spouses, their favorite aspect of their jobs, their hobbies and future dreams, and importantly, their worries about their diagnoses. It felt great being able to bring smiles to their faces in the midst of a stressful hospital stay."
-Heba Mahjoub
Patient Care Volunteer on Surgical Oncology Unit (4 Main)
"I always start with a simple question or comment... "So, are you from Pittsburgh?" And then, I let the patients guide the conversation. Sometimes, patients don't want to talk and the conversation ends there, allowing them to relax as they get their hair washed. But once in a while, patients open up and talk about their families, their life story, or their hopes and dreams. It is really powerful to have someone confide in you that way and many people just want someone to listen to them, to care."
-Jan Niec
Doo Crew Volunteer
