Our nation was founded on a spirit of volunteerism and the energy of volunteers continues to be one of our community's greatest resources. Volunteers are vital to the Department of Health . They are an integral part of the agency and assist in expanding our resources to improve the quality of life and health of the residents of our community.

The Department of Health benefits from the services of all kinds of volunteers. Some volunteers provide administrative support, while others lend their special talents or skills as interpreters, computer experts and more. In addition, many health care professionals donate their time and knowledge to make Florida healthier.

Responding to the Need

In 1992, the Florida Legislature passed the "Access to Health Care Act," which created the Volunteer Health Care Provider Program.   The intent of this legislation was twofold: to increase access to health care for uninsured and underserved Floridians and to increase the number of health care volunteers through the extension of state-sponsored sovereign immunity protection. Many qualified Floridians are receiving valuable health care services as a result of the efforts of thousands of dedicated volunteers.

Serving your Community

By volunteering their time and services, physicians, dentists, nurses,and other licensed professionals are responding to the needs of those who are less fortunate. These professionals provide limited but vital primary and specialty care to the uninsured and underserved residents of Florida. Working with local county health departments,

community and faith-based organizations, these licensed professionals are joining forces and volunteering their valuable time and skills as a noble cause.

Community efforts to increase access to health care for the uninsured is expanding everyday in response to the enormous needs. The number of individuals receiving care grows annually and will continue to do so with the support of local medical and dental societies, and individuals such as yourself.

We would like you to consider joining a caring team of physicians, dentists, and other health care professionals who are reaching those in need.

Medical Liability Protection through the State of Florida

The Florida Department of Health's Volunteer Health Care Provider Program (s766.1115, F.S.) offers licensed health care providers the opportunity to volunteer and use their skills for helping others with liability protection from state-sponsored sovereign immunity. This Florida statute extends liability protection to providers if a lawsuit results from services rendered under the auspices of the program.

We Need and Appreciate Your Skills

The Chapter 110 volunteer program, an internal state agency program, provides opportunities for anyone who wants to donate goods and/or their services to those in need under the supervision of the Department of Health.  A variety of volunteer opportunities are available in many DOH facilities to individuals with clerical, administrative, technical and professional skills.

We would like you to consider joining forces and volunteering your valuable time and skills to a noble cause; reaching those in need.

Your Participation will make a Difference!

At this time the Charlotte County Health Department  has 42 specialists that volunteer their services in their office to our clients who are 200% of poverty level and below.  We are constantly seeking volunteers with a variety of skills.