Volunteer or Donate
The Amarillo VA Health Care System (AVAHCS) benefits from the services of over 300 individual volunteers each year. Over 40 volunteers are on duty each day helping to make this a health care center of excellence. Volunteers from all ages and life experiences serve in many capacities at AVAHCS. The mission of the AVAHCS Volunteer Program is to be recognized as a leader in the utilization of volunteers and charitable donations, to enhance veteran satisfaction through the delivery of compassionate, high quality care.
Hours of Operation:
- Office Hours - Monday thru Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm (except Federal Holidays).
Office Location: Building 28, 2nd Floor, Room 2214.
Eligibility:
Minimum age 14 years, annual TB test, background check over 18 and completion of volunteer orientation.
Volunteer Application Process
Everyone is required to attend an orientation before beginning service as a VA volunteer. The 2 hour orientation, an introduction to the medical center, covers many of the same topics as employee orientation. The basic purpose of the orientation is three fold:
- For you to complete the application process.
- To provide information related to the policies, functions, and objectives of the medical center and;
- To provide an understanding of the fundamental principles and procedures of volunteer service in the medical center.
The supervisor in the assigned area will provide job specific training.
All volunteers are required to receive a TB skin test when they begin volunteering. This test is administered, free of charge, at the orientation session. The test must be repeated on an annual basis in order to keep your volunteer status with the VA.
Volunteer Benefits
In addition to the many non-tangible benefits you receive as a VA volunteer from helping others, AVAHCS also provides some specific volunteer rewards. If you volunteer for four hours in a day, Monday thru Friday, you will receive a complimentary meal at the AVAHCS food court. All volunteers receive a parking sticker. Throughout the year the VA makes a point of recognizing our volunteer's efforts, but annually volunteers are honored for their hours and years of service at an awards ceremony and banquet.
Special Events
Many special events are coordinated through Voluntary Service. These include National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, Former POW Recognition, Volunteer Recognition, Flag Day, Christmas in July, Patriot Day, Veterans Day, fund raising events and volunteer training.
