Become a Health Buddies Volunteer

The Health Buddies program connects compassionate, trained volunteers with adults living with chronic conditions for regular phone call check-ins that offer encouragement, support, and personalized health coaching. Through friendly, one-on-one conversations, volunteers help participants manage their health, stay motivated, and feel less alone, empowering them to live independently and with dignity. This free, 12-week program is available to eligible adults in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Polk counties and aims to reduce preventable hospital readmissions through consistent, caring outreach.

Empower Better Health Through Friendship

Social connection is a lifeline for individuals with chronic illnesses, especially seniors. When health challenges are compounded by loneliness, it can take a toll on both physical and emotional well-being. Health Buddies provides more than just a friendly voice, it offers a vital source of encouragement that can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and help participants stick to their care plans. By fostering meaningful connections and linking individuals to helpful resources, Health Buddies improves quality of life and promotes better health outcomes — all at no cost.

The Power of Connection

When June first enrolled in Health Buddies, she shared, “I live alone and have so many health problems. I really need someone checking on me.” She admitted she was unsure about being matched with a young adult, saying, “I didn’t think we’d have much to talk about. Young people don’t always understand what it’s like to live like this.” But her Health Buddy, Ella, quickly changed her mind. “She always called when she said she would,” June said. “And she really listened.” With Ella’s encouragement, June was also connected with food resources she hadn’t known were available. “That made a big difference,” she said. “There were days I didn’t know what I was going to eat. Now I have help and a new friend.”