History of Volunteerism

From our inception in 1946 to the present day, volunteers have been the heart of Sharp HealthCare and have played an integral role in our success.

Founded by Volunteers
After watching San Diego’s population swell during the war years, community volunteers determined that their growing community needed additional hospital and medical services. These volunteers came together in 1946 and formed the San Diego Hospital Association as a first step in raising support and funding for a community hospital.

In addition to a $500,000 donation from Thomas E. Sharp and the donation of 12.5 acres of land from the P.L. Gildred family, these volunteers gathered $2.5 million in donations from over 11,000 individuals, families and business organizations. The volunteers worked with donors, physicians and community members to plan for the facility and the services it would offer.

In 1955 their vision was realized and the Donald N. Sharp Community Hospital opened as a nonprofit, nonsectarian charitable institution providing general care for the people of San Diego. It was to be a health care organization designed not for profit, but for people.

Powered by Volunteers
Even after the hospital opened, volunteers continued to give their time and support to this new endeavor. They greeted patients, helped them find where they were going, staffed the gift shops and supported nursing staff. Today, they continue to help with those same activities and many others.

In addition, every year Sharp provides medical services for the uninsured and underinsured, provides transportation services to and from medical appointments for seniors and disabled patients, and provides free health screenings, flu shots and support groups, among many other activities. In 2012, these services were valued at more than $305 million.

For More Information
Sharp offers numerous volunteer opportunities. Visit our Volunteer Program online to find out how you can help. Or, if you have questions about volunteering at Sharp, send us an email.