COVID Volunteer Opportunities
Ways to Help
With the understanding that everyone impacted by a crisis will experience psychological distress and that those working on the front lines, as well as those with substance use and mental health needs, are especially in need of support, many APNA members have asked how they can volunteer to meet the increased needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Below is a list of national and regional volunteer opportunities for psychiatric-mental health nurses.
Before volunteering, you may want to review this ANA Guidance for Nurses who Want to Volunteer.
National Volunteer Opportunities
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Suicide Prevention lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.
- Volunteer: Use this link to find your local crisis center that is a part of the Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.
American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health
Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer teams are active throughout the United States, meeting the emotional and psychosocial needs of disaster survivors and fellow Red Cross disaster workers. These teams respond to disasters of all sizes, from single family home fires to large-scale event.
- Volunteer: Find current opportunities here.
Nurse2Nurse Network
This national volunteer network is recruiting potential mentors who are seasoned nurses, currently not serving in the pandemic. Volunteers will participate in brief training modules and communication/coordination with program leadership.
- Volunteer: Fill out this form to volunteer 3 to 5 hours per week to support a pandemic nurse through Zoom/Skype/regular telephone call, email/text (by mutual agreement), in meditation/prayer for themselves, their nurse, the overall situation.
NurseGroups
A non-profit emotional resilience service created specifically for nurses in response to this crisis. NurseGroups is recruiting experienced facilitators to lead free and confidential online groups that are just for nurses.
- Volunteer: Fill out this form if you have prior experience with leading groups.
Project Parachute
Probono teletherapy services for COVID-19 frontline health care workers, supported by Eleos Health.
- Volunteer: If you have the ability to provide pro bono online therapy services, complete this form.
give an hour
Participate in various programs providing mental health services, support and education to populations in need.
- Volunteer: If you would like to join this effort learn more.
Support The Front
A collaboration led by Parkdale Center to offer free virtual support groups and resources for healthcare professionals on the frontlines of COVID-19
- Volunteer: If you would like to help this effort, call 888-855-1058 or email info@supportthefront.com.
State & Regional Volunteer Opportunities
California Health Corps
To ensure adequate staff for health care sites throughout California, the California Health Corps is asking healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, and health care administrators to register to help.
- Volunteer: To play a critical role in your region, click here to sign up.
Kentucky Nurses Helping Nurses
An online volunteer network of psychiatric-mental health nurses (working, retired, or students) who want to support nurses and be there for them during the current pandemic.
- Volunteer: To provide peer support, help develop and present information, or be added to a referral list, fill out this form.
New York State Emotional Support Hotline
New York State has created an emotional support hotline for those who are experiencing increased anxiety during the coronavirus crisis.
- Volunteer: If you live in New York, fill out this online form for Health Care Professionals.
If you are aware of any volunteer opportunities that should be considered for posting on this page, please email them to inform@apna.org.
APNA is not affiliated with these organizations and posting to this page does not imply endorsement. Please exercise your own due diligence when vetting these opportunities and making decisions about your participation.
