Becoming a Merrimack Health Volunteer 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Merrimack Health. Our volunteers play an important role in enhancing the experience of our patients, families, visitors, and staff by providing compassionate service and support throughout our hospitals.

Whether you are a high school student interested in community service or an adult looking to give back, we welcome individuals who are committed to making a positive difference.

Volunteer Eligibility

To be considered for the Volunteer Program, applicants must:

• Be at least 15 years of age
• Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, compassion, and customer service
• Meet all occupational health and onboarding requirements
• Be available to serve on a regular, ongoing basis (minimum commitment may apply)

Please note: This Volunteer Program is intended for community volunteers and high school student volunteers only. College internships, clinical rotations, practicum experiences, and academic placements are coordinated separately through Merrimack Health's academic affiliation process and are not managed through Volunteer Services.

How to Apply

Interested applicants may download, complete and submit a volunteer application by mail to: Lawrence Hospital, 1 General St., PO Box 189, Lawrence, MA 01842-0389, Attn: Volunteer Services.  

• General Volunteer Application
• Internship Application
• Application for Patient and Family Advisors

Health Requirements

To protect the health and safety of our patients, visitors, volunteers, and staff, all volunteers must provide documentation of required immunizations and health screenings before beginning service.

Required documentation includes:

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella (history of disease, positive titer, or vaccination)
• Tuberculosis (TB) screening in accordance with Occupational Health requirements
• Annual influenza (flu) vaccination during flu season, in accordance with Merrimack Health policy

Additional health requirements may be necessary based on volunteer assignment or regulatory guidance.

Selection Process

Volunteer placements are based on organizational needs, departmental availability, and applicant interests.

The selection process generally includes:

1. Application review
2. Interview with Volunteer Services
3. Occupational Health clearance
4. Background screening (if applicable)
5. Volunteer orientation
6. Department-specific training and placement

Because volunteer opportunities are limited, submitting an application does not guarantee placement.

Background Screening

Background checks are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and Merrimack Health policy.

Applicants 18 years of age and older are required to complete a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check before beginning volunteer service. Additional screening requirements may apply depending on the volunteer role.

Volunteer Orientation

All accepted volunteers are required to attend orientation prior to beginning their assignment. Orientation provides important information regarding:

• Merrimack Health's mission, vision, and values
• Patient privacy and confidentiality (HIPAA)
• Safety and infection prevention
• Customer service expectations
• Volunteer responsibilities
• Emergency preparedness

Department-specific training will also be provided before volunteers begin serving.

Volunteer Commitment

Volunteers are encouraged to serve on a regular schedule and make an ongoing commitment to their assigned department. Consistent volunteer participation helps ensure the highest level of support for our patients and staff.

Contact Us

For additional information about volunteering opportunities, please contact:

Volunteer Services
Phone: 978-683-4000, ext. 2645 
Email: Volunteers@merrimackhealth.org