Volunteering

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected local, national, and international economies and put a strain on our most vulnerable communities. If you're able to contribute your time, funds, or other resources, there is a lot you can do to help others in need. The list below is by no means exhaustive. It's meant as a starting point. We encourage anyone who is interested in giving back to explore what opportunities are best for them. We also urge volunteers to continue to put their health and safety—as well as the health and safety of others—first by following public health best practice guidelines.

Featured opportunity

Student Response Initiative

The ColoradoSPH COVID-19 Student Response Initiative (CCSRI) is a student organization that connects currently enrolled ColoradoSPH students with information about COVID-19 volunteer programs and job opportunities via a weekly email. In addition, some opportunities may be specifically offered to certain students based on their indicated interests in the CCSRI member survey, which students initially complete. During this pandemic, the goal of CCSRI is to connect students with the opportunities that make a difference and provide meaningful public health experience all while reducing the burden faced by our public health partners

There is much need during this outbreak and ColoradoSPH student support for local and statewide public health organizations is more important now than ever before. You and your fellow classmates bring a multitude of valuable skills which may help mitigate the expected impact that COVID-19 will have on our healthcare system as well as provide our public health organizations the ability to better track this rapidly growing outbreak.

Since the creation of CCSRI in March, student members have supported our Colorado communities through contact tracing for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the CU Anschutz Environmental Health and Safety Office, volunteered with local public health agencies, researched the impact of COVID-19 stressors on addiction, and more. We encourage you to join CCSRI and use your incredibly important and diverse public health skills to help support the Colorado community during this unprecedented time.

If you are interested in volunteering for the ColoradoSPH COVID-19 Student Response Initiative, please complete the Initial Volunteer Survey. Once we receive your submission, you will be added to our member ListServ and provided further directions. As our first priority is to keep you safe, all COVID-19 response volunteer and job opportunities will be vetted before provided.

At this time, CCSRI is tailored for just currently enrolled ColoradoSPH students. If you are an alumni, we recommend checking Help Colorado Now, a government site providing healthcare workers with volunteer opportunities related to COVID-19 response. If you are a currently enrolled graduate student in a CU Anschutz graduate school, there may be an COVID-19 response organization for your school. Please email the CCSRI Student Coordinator to be potentially connected to this organization.

I’m really happy to be involved in the work to bring students and staff back to campus safely. Through my case investigation and contact tracing work I have had firsthand experience in public health. I’ve learned the importance of adapting and communicating in this dynamic climate.

– Nora Cleary, MPH candidate

Other ways to get involved

Help Colorado Now

You can donate money, time, supplies, or blood as part of the State of Colorado's Help Colorado Now effort. Through this initiative, the state aims to help our at-risk neighbors get through this crisis.

Get involved with Help Colorado Now >

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

If you want to volunteer to help with the COVID-19 response at CDPHE, there is a program called the Colorado Volunteer Mobilizer (CVM). CDPHE asks volunteers to register and submit two training certificates—for the FEMA ICS 100c and ICS 700b trainings. Then, a background check is run. Participants will need to create a FEMA student ID number to complete the trainings.

Learn more about the CVM program >

Jefferson County Public Health

There may be opportunities to volunteer with Jefferson County Public Health during this time. Individuals interested in volunteering to help with the COVID-19 response in Jefferson County should send an email to: HealthEPR@co.jefferson.co.us.

CU Anschutz Food Pantry

The CU Anschutz Student Food Pantry is located with University Police in building 407 near the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. Food Pantry Champions can register to fill one tote bag each month with the requested monthly items printed right on the side of the bag. Sign up as an individual, group or team to fill a bag. Donations can be made at any time either to University Police or to Campus Student Services on the 3rd floor of Education 2 North.

Contribute to the pantry >

Supporting Students at CU Anschutz

You can help support CU Anschutz students in need by participating in the King Soopers Community Rewards program, giving to the CU Anschutz Share Fund, or supporting the CU Anschutz Food Pantry.

Learn more about supporting CU Anschutz students >

Nonprofits

Many food banks, medical supply organizations, homeless shelters, and other nonprofits are currently in need of healthy volunteers to support those who are struggling. Here are some organizations that may be in need of additional volunteer support, financial resources, or supplies at this time.

Colorado organizations

National and international organizations

colorado school of public health

coloradoSPH

Locations

Tools

Schools and Colleges

CU Denver

CU Anschutz Medical Campus

Volunteering

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Featured opportunity

Student Response Initiative

Other ways to get involved

Help Colorado Now

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

Jefferson County Public Health

CU Anschutz Food Pantry

Supporting Students at CU Anschutz

Nonprofits

Colorado School of Public Health

CU Anschutz

Fitzsimons Building

Volunteering

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Featured opportunity

Student Response Initiative

What is the ColoradoSPH COVID-19 Student Response Initiative?

How can I make a difference?

How do I join CCSRI?

Can I join CCSRI as an alumni of ColoradoSPH or student from another CU Anschutz school?

Questions?

Other ways to get involved

Help Colorado Now

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

Jefferson County Public Health

CU Anschutz Food Pantry

Supporting Students at CU Anschutz

Nonprofits

Colorado School of Public Health

CU Anschutz

Fitzsimons Building