Ride Along Companion Volunteer - Roanoke, VA

What is Special about this Volunteer Opportunity?  · As a Ride Along Companion (RAC), you'll play a unique and meaningful role in ensuring that patients can safely and comfortably access abortion care. This volunteer opportunity is about being a supportive, reassuring presence fo ...

Job description

What is Special about this Volunteer Opportunity?  As a Ride Along Companion (RAC), you'll play a unique and meaningful role in ensuring that patients can safely and comfortably access abortion care. This volunteer opportunity is about being a supportive, reassuring presence for someone during a vulnerable moment. By stepping in when a patient doesn't have a friend or loved one available, you'll help remove barriers to care, protect their dignity, and make sure they get home safely. This role allows you to provide both practical support and compassionate connection, directly impacting access to equitable healthcare in your community. 
Position Details:    Location: On-site: Roanoke Health Center  On Call Schedule:    Thursday: 10AM- 3PM   Friday: 10AM-3PM  

Who you are:

• You are passionate about ensuring patients have access to inclusive, nonjudgmental healthcare, including abortion services. 
• You believe in treating every person with compassion, respect, and dignity. 
• You are available to volunteer for on-call shifts during the day and can respond reliably when needed. 
• You enjoy connecting with and supporting people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. 
• You are able to remain calm, reassuring, and clear-headed in stressful or emotional situations. 
• You are a good communicator who knows when to offer conversation, comfort, or quiet support. 
• You are dependable, flexible, and committed to showing up for your community when patients need you most. 
• You bring a friendly, approachable demeanor and a nonjudgmental attitude to every interaction. 

What You'll Do:

• Stay within 30 minutes of the clinic during your on-call shift. 
• When called, drive yourself to the Roanoke Health Center, where staff will introduce you to the patient you'll be accompanying. 
• Ride with the patient in an Uber Health from the clinic to their home or hotel. 
• Provide reassurance and support during the ride—keeping an eye out for any complications and calling EMS if needed. 
• Walk the patient safely to their door (without entering their residence). 
• Return to the clinic in the same Uber Health after the patient is settled. 

Why Should You Apply?  Becoming a Ride Along Companion is a chance to make a real difference—one patient at a time. By volunteering, you'll be helping to break down barriers to care, offering compassion when it matters most, and ensuring every patient can access the support they need to heal safely. If you are dependable, caring, and committed to reproductive health equity, this role gives you a unique way to stand beside your community members during a pivotal moment in their lives. Your presence can transform what could feel like a lonely journey into one of dignity, comfort, and care.