Empowering
through
understanding
PAGES OF COMFORT PROGRAM
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HEALTH LITERACY FOR SENIORS
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MIND TO MATTER PROGRAM
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HEALTH IN YOUR LANGUAGE PROGRAM
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PAGES OF COMFORT PROGRAM ✦ HEALTH LITERACY FOR SENIORS ✦ MIND TO MATTER PROGRAM ✦ HEALTH IN YOUR LANGUAGE PROGRAM ✦
about
us.
The Health Literacy Initiative (HLI) is a student-led organization founded in August 2024 and based in Tampa, Florida. Run by passionate college students, HLI is dedicated to making healthcare education more accessible, understandable, and impactful for all communities.
We’re here to make health easier to understand and easier to live with through workshops, infographics, youth-led projects, and resources that bring clarity and comfort to those who need it most.
OUR FOUR PROGRAMS.
Health literacy for seniors
Health Literacy for Seniors combines fun and education through weekly events at local senior centers at Tampa. Volunteers lead interactive workshops, guiding senior residents through various activities and incorporate the importance of health and wellness into these activities.
health in your language campaign
Health in Your Language is a volunteer-powered campaign making health education accessible for our immigrant and refugee communities. Volunteers play a vital role in designing multilingual infographics, and leading interactive workshops that break down barriers and bring important health information to those who need it most.
pages of comfort program
Pages of Comfort is a creative program where volunteers write and illustrate original children books for pediatric patients. Each story is made from scratch from our volunteers, printed by us, and donated to pediatric patients — with the chance for volunteers to read their books in person, creating moments of joy and connection.
MIND TO MATTER PROGRAM
The Mind to Matter Challenge is our annual innovation competition for middle and high school students. From developing themes and managing outreach to mentoring participants and organizing the final shark-tank like showcase, our team does this all to inspire the next generation to tackle real-world health challenges.
GET INVOLVED.
01
VOLUNTEER WITH US
WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF IN-PERSON AND ONLINE VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE — AND EVEN POST-GRADUATES LOOKING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
YOU’RE ENCOURAGED TO EXPLORE MULTIPLE PROGRAMS, DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF TO JUST ONE! MANY OF OUR VOLUNTEERS PARTICIPATE IN TWO OR MORE INITIATIVES TO BROADEN THEIR IMPACT AND EXPERIENCES.
ALL OF OUR ROLES ARE DESIGNED TO BE LONG-TERM COMMITMENTS, GIVING YOU THE CHANCE TO GROW WITH THE PROGRAM, DEVELOP VARIOUS SKILLS, AND BUILD MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITIES YOU SERVE.
EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS AND SIGN UP TODAY TO START MAKING A REAL IMPACT, WHEREVER YOU ARE.
02
JOIN OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
WE’RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR PASSIONATE, DRIVEN INDIVIDUALS TO HELP LEAD AND GROW THE HEALTH LITERACY INITIATIVE. IF YOU TAKE INITIATIVE, HAVE A STRONG WORK ETHIC, COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, AND ARE READY TO DEDICATE YOUR TIME TO MAKING A LASTING IMPACT, WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU ON OUR TEAM.
WHETHER YOU’RE INTERESTED IN ORGANIZING EVENTS, MANAGING VOLUNTEERS, DESIGNING RESOURCES, OR LAUNCHING NEW IDEAS — THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE. HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR PROGRAMS AND BRING HEALTH EDUCATION TO THE COMMUNITIES THAT NEED IT MOST.
EMAIL US YOUR CV ALONG WITH A SHORT STATEMENT EXPRESSING YOUR INTEREST IN JOINING OUR TEAM AND CONTRIBUTING TO OUR MISSION.
GET INVOLVED
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GET INVOLVED ✦
Upcoming events.
Stay up to date with all of our upcoming events across every program. Our calendar features monthly workshops, volunteer opportunities, community outreach events, and more. Check back for next month’s events at the end of each current month!
FAQs
What is the time commitment?
Most of our programs require a long-term commitment throughout the semester, but the number of hours per week can vary based on your role and availability.
How will I be trained or onboarded?
Once you sign up, you will receive resources and more details through your email. If you have any questions, our program directors are always here to help and can guide you through your responsibilities.
How do I join a program?
Visit each program’s page to learn about each program and submit your volunteer interest form. We’ll follow up with next steps.
Where are in-person events held?
All in-person activities are held in the Tampa Bay area near University of South Florida, including local senior centers and community centers. You can find the address, date and time of each event listed on our calendar.
Who can volunteer with HLI?
Anyone from high school to post-graduate level can join! We welcome students from all backgrounds who are passionate about health education and community service.
Will I receive volunteer hours or documentation?
Yes! We track hours for all active volunteers and can provide documentation or verification for school, scholarships, or service requirements.