South Brooklyn Health Unveils New BRAVO Volunteer Program

BROOKLYN, NY — NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health has launched the Bedside Recreation and Arts Volunteer (BRAVO) Program, a new initiative designed to enhance the patient experience through creative activities, recreation and interactive bedside health education.

Trained volunteers visit inpatient medical and surgical units to offer patients and visitors hands-on activities including watercolor painting, origami and faux flower arrangements, as well as games, puzzles and supportive bedside interaction.

“The BRAVO Program reflects our ongoing commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that honors the total well-being of the people we serve,” CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health Manjinder Kaur.

“By engaging patients and their visitors in creative expression, recreation, and health education at the bedside, our volunteers are helping transform the hospital environment into a place of warmth, connection, and empowerment.”

The program also incorporates health education developed with South Brooklyn Health’s Office of Patient Experience, Stroke Center, Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Pharmacy. Through interactive games and activities, volunteers help patients and visitors learn about topics including stroke and heart attack symptoms and the importance of taking medications as prescribed.

The BRAVO Program builds on the hospital’s existing volunteer framework, with community volunteers working under the guidance of nursing staff. Initial volunteers are being recruited through local colleges and community organizations, with funding provided by the South Brooklyn Health Auxiliary. Community members interested in volunteering can contact the Volunteer Services Office at SBHvolunteer@nychhc.org.