Volunteer at UK HealthCare

When you volunteer at UK HealthCare, you'll know you're helping people who really need you. Our volunteers say that the time they give at UK HealthCare is an invaluable experience and that the appreciation of the people they help is the greatest reward.

We also like to recognize our volunteers for all the hard work they do. Our volunteers receive:

• Special celebrations throughout the year.
• Group outings, including trips to Keeneland and other historic places across Kentucky.
• Free LexTran fare with your UK volunteer ID badge.
• Discounts on meals in our cafeterias and cafe areas.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at UK HealthCare! Volunteers help across the healthcare campus, including UK Chandler and UK Good Samaritan information desks, surgery waiting rooms, gift shops and ambulatory clinics. We also have Child Life opportunities available with Golisano Children's at UK.

Our application process consists of the following:

• Completed application packet
• In-person interview
• Background check/drug screening is required for every adult over 18 (not required for teens)
• Medical screens (including TB risk assessment and blood test; proof of immunity to MMR, Varicella, and Tdap; and flu shot during flu season)

COVID Vaccine Statement: As of Aug. 1, 2023 UK HealthCare is not mandating the COVID vaccine for volunteers.

UK HealthCare does not accept volunteers requiring court-ordered community service hours.

Our volunteer program is unable to offer externships, internships, job shadowing, drop-in assignments, etc.

Volunteering at UK HealthCare does not lead to employment within the University of Kentucky system.

• Are you a teen with a sincere, personal desire to volunteer at UK HealthCare?
• Are you able to work independently, and are comfortable initiating conversations?
• Are you motivated and outgoing, with an interest in healthcare?
• Does your summer schedule allow you to commit to two weekly shifts for at least five weeks?
• Will you be 14 years old no later than March 27, 2026?

The Summer Teen Volunteer Program is available to students 14-18 years old. This program allows teens an opportunity to explore the nature of a large healthcare facility, as well as provide volunteer service to the community.

Mandatory orientation is on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.  

The program runs from June 15-July 24, 2026; shifts are from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. (Volunteers can work two shifts in a day with a lunch break in between.) Teens are required to participate in five of the six weeks and volunteer a minimum of 2 shifts per week, for a total of 30 hours. Teens must provide their own transportation. 

Please note: Teen volunteers do not perform research or observe medical or patient-care procedures of any kind.  

How to apply

Step 1

Complete the Teen Volunteer Application online. Wait to fill out the application until you have these documents, as you will need to upload and attach them via PDF. 

Teen Volunteer Application

Attachment 1

Provide a copy of immunization record/s verifying the following immunizations:

• Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) – must have 2 vaccinations
• Varicella (Chickenpox) – verification of having chickenpox can be noted through medical documentation OR documentation of 2 varicella vaccinations
• Tdap – must have 1 vaccination 

Attachment 2

Submit a typed essay of 350-450 words answering the following questions:  

1. How would volunteering at UK HealthCare impact your life and why should we select you as part of the UK HealthCare Summer Teen Volunteer Program?
2. What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?  
3. What are your future goals?  

Essays should be simple 12-point font, double-spaced, in PDF format, and include your name.

Step 2

Download, complete, and submit the following together in one signed, sealed envelope to Volunteer Services by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026:

• HIPAA form and exam
• Parental consent form
• Media release form 

Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

Application deadline

A completed application (both online and mailed documents) must be received by Volunteer Services no later than Friday, March 27, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. to be considered for the program.  

All documents listed in step two may be dropped off at Volunteer Services, Pavilion A, First Floor, Room 212 during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or mailed to Attn: Volunteer Services, 1000 South Limestone, Pav A.01.212A, Lexington, KY, 40536. 

For questions and/or concerns, please contact Jason Brun, UK HealthCare Volunteer Coordinator at Jason.Brun@uky.edu or 859-323-5796.
 

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at UK HealthCare! We have reached our maximum number of new volunteers for the Spring 2026 semester. Please visit this page for future updates.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at UK HealthCare. Our volunteers are invaluable to us and play an integral role in ensuring our patients, visitors, and staff have the absolute best experience here at UK HealthCare.

Recruitment for Adult volunteers concluded on Nov. 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. Please check our website for more information about future recruitment periods.

The following items are things that patients will frequently request from our office. All donations should be brand new and not marked with any political/religious affiliations. Donations can be dropped off during normal business hours to Volunteer Services between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. We are located at 1000 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536. 

• Activity books (puzzles, crosswords, seek and finds, Sudoku, etc.)
• Coloring books
• Writing utensils (pens, pencils, colored pencils, crayons)
• Small, compact games (such as decks of cards)
• Brand new underwear (men and women, all sizes)
• Sweatshirts, and sweatpants/yoga pants/pajama pants (men and women, sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL; maternity wear also appreciated)
• New or gently used tennis shoes (sizes 8-12/men's or unisex sizing)

The Ronald McDonald Family Room began welcoming guests in 2009 inside the walls of Golisano Children's at UK (formerly Kentucky Children’s Hospital) in Lexington, KY.  The Family Room provides a comforting and quiet area of respite, relaxation and reflection for families and loved ones of children who are being treated in the critical care units (NICU, PICU) of the hospital. The Ronald McDonald Family Room, open from 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m, seven days a week, is staffed with helpful specially trained and screened volunteers. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Ronald McDonald Family Room, please visit their website for more details. To sign up for an interview time, please click here: https://form.jotform.com/241825020663147.

We do accept donations for the Ronald McDonald Family Room. Details regarding items needed and how to to donate are below: