Volunteer Health Services ProgramThis innovative program is a network of over 15,000 volunteers who generously donate their time and talent to Florida's citizens in need. ProfileThe Florida Department of Health sponsors the Statewide Volunteer Health Services Program through the Division of Community Health Services. Eleven regional coordinators work with County Health Departments, Children's Medical Services, and private volunteer health care organizations to coordinate volunteerism efforts throughout the State. Our program staff are caring and knowledgeable and are ready to answer your questions about volunteering in the field of health care. Our MissionTo increase access to quality health care for the medically underserved and uninsured residents of Florida through the use of volunteers. The Volunteer Health Services Program achieves this mission through the coordination of two distinct volunteer campaigns governed by Chapter 110.501 Florida Statutes and Chapter 766.1115 Florida Statutes. Our VisionAccess to quality health care for all people in Florida. Our Values
Our Goals
F. S. Chapter 110.501Your contribution is Important to the Florida Department of Health.
The Florida Department of Health provides many opportunities for anyone who wants to
contribute their special talents to those in need. Floridians who get involved open up
a whole new world of rewards and satisfaction that will last a lifetime. Some may
volunteer to provide administrative support in an office setting, while others lend
their special skills as medical and dental professionals, interpreters, computer
experts, photographers, and more. As a valued colleague, training and supervision
is available to all volunteers. Click on
Chapter 110
Volunteer Program Manual F. S. Chapter 766.1115Health care professionals lending their special skills to keep Florida Healthy. Health care professionals (physicians, dentists, nurses etc.) are also encouraged to volunteer their special skills to those Floridians without access to appropriate health care. Although these professionals must be actively (with a regular or limited) licensed to practice, they may do so in their local county health department, homeless shelter or even in their own private offices. Health Care ProfessionalsIn 1992, The Florida Legislature passed the "Access To Health Care Act" (Section 766.1115 F. S.) which established the Volunteer Health Services Program. The intent of this legislation was two-fold: to increase access to health care for indigent Floridians through the use of volunteers, and to increase the number of health care volunteers through the extension of state-sponsored sovereign immunity* protection. *Sovereign immunity makes it easier to be "a good neighbor". This State of Florida Statute 766.1115 protection is based on the volunteer serving as an agent of the State of Florida. Basically, this means that the State of Florida assumes responsibility for the treatment of patients eligible under this program. Through their volunteer service, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and other licensed professionals are responding to the needs of those who cannot afford to pay for medical care. These volunteer health care professionals provide a safety net of primary and specialty care to those in greatest need. Working with local health departments, medical and dental clinics, community clinics, and institutional facilities, health care providers are making a difference. The Volunteer Health Services Program is a public/private partnership supported by the Florida Medical Association and the Florida Dental Association. Contact InformationMark Lundberg, Director Volunteer Health Services Program 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C23 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1743 Telephone:(850) 245-4151 (SC) 205-4151 FAX: (850) 488-4944 (SC) 278-4944 E-mail: Mark_Lundberg2@doh.state.fl.us For volunteer opportunities contact regional coordinator: (see Contacts) General program information: Mark_Lundberg2@doh.state.fl.us |
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