DSHS Consumer Affairs Branch staff within the Center for Consumer and External Affairs value volunteers, interns, and donors as important and respected partners. The Consumer Affairs Branch provides collaboration, technical assistance, and consultation for department staff managing volunteers and interns.

Public Health Emergency Responses

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is charged with protecting the public's health in an emergency.

PROTECT TEXAS: We "PROTECT TEXAS" during disease outbreaks that occur naturally and from acts of bio-terrorism. DSHS and many state and local agencies are working together to reduce these threats -- and YOU CAN HELP.

Ongoing Volunteer and Intern Opportunities

State Hospital Volunteers: Each of the nine state hospital facilities serving patients with mental illness and the two state hospitals serving patients with tuberculosis (TB) and other related diseases have a Community Relations / Volunteer Services staff to assist you.

Parish Nursing (Faith Community Nursing): specialized area of professional nursing practice that focuses on health promotion within a faith community. Roles will vary from faith community to faith community depending upon the needs of its members and available resources, but include educator, counselor and advocate in their own faith family. They are a source for preventative and restorative care, ministering holistically to individuals and families.

Volunteer Services State Council (VSSC): state-wide volunteer-based, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization partnering with Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) to improve the quality and efficiency of mental health and mental retardation services.

For more information about volunteering or interning with DSHS, contact in Consumer Affairs via email or by phone at 512 / 458-7111 x6605.

Last Updated September 29, 2006