Volunteering

Placement Process
All prospective volunteers that complete an application are interviewed by the manager of Volunteer Services. You must complete a mandatory orientation session that includes instruction on patient confidentiality, universal precautions, fire and safety rules, OSHA safer standards, and security and emergency preparedness.

Physical and Health Assessment
Employee Health Services will provide state-mandated physicals, and administer any necessary vaccines and a TB skin test free of charge. Covid-19 and flu vaccination is mandatory.

Founded in 1951, the Albany Med Auxiliary is a volunteer service organization supporting our mission of providing the highest quality of care to patients. This may involve financially supporting the hospital or efforts that contribute to the care and comfort of patients.

The Auxiliary President or other officers are available to discuss the roles and needs of the Auxiliary. Membership dues are $10 per year or one can become a lifetime member with a one time membership dues payment of $200.

Funds are raised to support our activities through a Thrift Shop located in the hospital. The Auxiliary also raises money through vendor sales, a holiday sale, book sales, and other events. The Volunteer office houses a library of used books for sale.

Anyone interested in joining the Auxiliary should call 518-262-3491.

The Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild, formed in 1948, consists of more than 250 active volunteers.

• Eligibility
  Volunteers must be:
  At least 16 years old
  Able to commit to serving four hours per week for at least one year
  Able to pass a general health assessment and be willing to attend the Hospital’s orientation and training in their assigned area
  An application and interview are required
• Member Benefits
  In gratitude, our Volunteer Guild members additionally receive discounts and enjoy a number of recognition events throughout the year.
• Become a Volunteer
  We welcome new volunteers and invite you to complete an application.
• Volunteer Guild Contributions
  Over the years, the Guild has donated more than $5 million to Saratoga Hospital projects and programs. Among other contributions, Treasures Consignment Boutique and Thrift Shoppe partners with over two dozen local agencies to provide clothing and household articles to those in need. Additionally, volunteers serve as “Reading Buddies” at Geyser Road Elementary School.

Our Junior Program offers teenagers ages 13 to 18 a valuable experience by volunteering a minimum of two hours per week. This experience provides opportunities for personal development by building competence and confidence in customer service, decision-making, and organizational and leadership skills in a health care environment. Junior volunteer hours are recognized with a certificate, which is sent to the students’ high school.

For more information, call 518-926-2780.

Columbia Memorial Health Auxilians experience a special sense of satisfaction from assisting others and they take pride in belonging to an organization that is held in high esteem by the community. Beyond performing a valuable community service, Auxilians develop new skills, learn more about health care, meet new people, and experience a sense of accomplishment.

Auxilians are:

• Trusted members of the CMH health care team who scrupulously safeguard the confidentiality of patients and CMH personnel.
• Valuable resources for the hospital for determining community needs and concerns.
• Organizers capable of initiating and carrying out community-oriented projects.
• Community leaders in supporting CMH interests where legislative issues are concerned.
• Volunteer who believe staying active leads to healthier and happier lives.