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Please note: The Pre-Health opportunities and information shared to the UF Pre-Health Buzz Blog are NOT affiliated with the University of Florida.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Health Buddies: A Unique Pre-Health Community Service Opportunity!

Looking for fully remote, health centered,  volunteer service hours with flexible scheduling? Health Buddies is the program for you! 

Being diagnosed with a chronic disease can feel isolating. The Health Buddies program through Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay uses companionship as medicine for those that are diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Health Buddies Volunteers commit to 2-3 phone calls per week for 12 weeks with a single client. Your Health Buddies team will provide you with the training necessary to guide you through the 12 weeks. You will have the opportunity to provide companionship as medicine to your client and help them break through the feelings of isolation and loneliness. Additionally, with the help of your Health Buddies' Team, you will be able to guide your client to community resources that they may need to empower themselves, such as food, transportation, and medical equipment.  

Health Buddies have been working with college students over the past four years of our program, and from that have earned the "Program of Distinction" title from the organization Generations United. 

Participating in the Health Buddies program will allow you to be involved in a unique experiential learning opportunity where you provide valuable support to seniors by providing much needed companionship, a connection to community resources, and encouraging participants to follow their doctors' recommendations. This program not only allows you to make a meaningful impact but also provides you with firsthand experience in patient interaction and health advocacy. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community while gaining invaluable experience that will set you apart in your professional school applications.


Questions? Reach out to Aria, the Health Buddies Program Manager, at agarling@seniorsinservice.org, or 813-492-8931.

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