HealthCare Volunteer (HV) is a American-based non-profit (Los Angeles), founded in January, 2006, that was founded by a medical student and a dental student (frustrated by their own efforts to find volunteer opportunities) to connect trained and untrained volunteers and job seekers interested in health-related volunteering around the world. In 2006 alone, HV was accessed by thousands of volunteers and job seekers from more than 118 countries.

In 2007, DentalVolunteer merged with HealthCare Volunteer to create the world’s largest listing of health-related volunteering opportunities.

Services are free for volunteers and organizations requesting to connect to medical opportunities. However, volunteers may be asked to pay for their own expenses regarding housing, food, transportation, etc.

At least 1.3 billion people worldwide lack access to basic healthcare. “The global population is growing, bu the number of health workers is stagnating or even falling in many of the places where they are needed most” said Lee Jong-wook, Director General of the World Health Organization.

Volunteers select their own dates, and serve for as short or as long as they wish.

Untrained volunteers are welcome and are allowed to help in such areas as logistics, supplies support, ancilliary clinical support and community education programs.

Countries where HV volunteers have served include Tanzania, Ecuador, India, Brazil, Ghana, Guatemala, Kenya, Nepal, Liberia, Cambodia, Zambia and other countries.

Opportunities to donate to this nonprofit can also be found on their website.