Memphis Mental Health Institute
865 Poplar Avenue• Memphis, TN 38105
Phone: 901-524-1200 • Fax: 901-543-6055

Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services is another way that MMHI is able to provide quality patient care. Through individual and group volunteers, patients are given special moments and items making their hospital stay a little easier. Some volunteers come on a regular schedule while others offer time only during special occasions. There are also volunteers that work through the Senior Services program.

All volunteers are provided an orientation to the facility. Those that provide services on a daily or regular basis—such as those with Senior Services, are treated as hospital employees— including completing the application process, finger printing, background check, and a week of orientation. The week of orientation includes an Overview of Mental Illness, a CPR class, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, and other required training.

Those providing individual or group services, such as those donating items, are not required to attend a full orientation, but would work directly through the Volunteer Coordinator. Those wishing to provide volunteer services, such as passing out gifts or singing Holiday carols would only require a minimum orientation to the facility. The Volunteer Coordinator will work closely with all those wishing to volunteer their time and make sure appropriate orientation is provided according to the type of services being provided.

MMHI Volunteer Programs include the Clothes Closet and the Library.

The Clothes Closet

Due to the acute nature of the patients seen at MMHI – the Clothes Closet is an integral part of patient care. Many patients are homeless and present for treatment with only the clothing they have on at the time. The Clothes Closet has been consistently managed and maintained over the years by seniors who are in a job training program through Senior Services. The Clothes Closet is stocked basically through donations from the community and staff members.

The Library

The Library provides reading materials to patients. The Library functions as any library allowing patients an opportunity to check out and return reading materials.
The library has also been consistently managed and maintained over the years by seniors who are in a job training program through Senior Services. Donations are a primary source for maintaining a variety of reading materials.

All prospective volunteers must be 18 and older. Please contact MMHI Volunteer Services at 524-1200 for opportunities.

“the sun shines a little brighter and hearts feel a little warmer when people care enough …to volunteer.” Kimberly Rinehart