Volunteer
In order to qualify for service, adults ages 19 years and older must be in good health, be emotionally stable, have a desire to serve, have a willingness to accept the Hospital’s Mission and be able to devote regular periods of time to serve. All volunteers must attend an orientation session and interview prior to placement. A minimum of, but not limited to, 100 hours of service is expected.
In order for teen volunteers to participate in the program a parent or guardian must obtain a notarized medical consent to participate. If a teen volunteers after 6:30 p.m., a parental or guardian authorization note is needed.
FAQs
What is the minimum age requirement for candy stripers?
Minimum age is 14 years
Is there a dress code?
Female students should wear candy striped pinafores with white shirts, stockings and socks. Male students should wear red vests, white shirts and black pants. Blue jeans are not allowed.
Areas of Service
- Community Services
- Dietary
- Finance
- Pediatrics
- Environmental Services
- Information Desk
- Medical Records
- Nursing
- Patient Transportation
- Physical Therapy
- Printing and Duplicating
- Radiology
- Multicultural Affairs
- Occupational Therapy
Our History
In the late 1960s the coordinator of Community Resources, Pearlie P. McDaniel was very instrumental in placement of volunteers throughout Freedmen’s Hospital, founded in 1862. In 1975, Freedmen’s Hospital became Howard University Hospital (HUH) and Ms. McDaniel recruited and trained volunteers in the new hospital.
A charge to revamp the existing program by reinstatement of uniforms for all volunteers was given by the administration. Successful recruitment efforts were made through contact with community-wide public schools’ guidance counselors. Requests were made for teenage volunteers between the ages of 14-18. A dress code would be imminent. Female students would wear candy striped pinafores with white shirts, stockings and socks. Male students would wear red vests, white shirts and black pants. Blue jeans would not be allowed.
Twenty-four (24) students were referred by Benjamin Banneker Academic High School. Twelve students attended the first volunteer orientation on November 22, 1995. These students were dressed and ready to serve Howard University Hospital by December 6, 1995. Red, white and black were chosen as the program colors in order to alleviate confusion with hospital staff uniforms at the time.
