No One Dies Alone (NODA)

No One Dies Alone (NODA) provides companionship and support to individuals as they near the end of life.

NODA is especially dedicated to patients whose loved ones cannot be present with them in their final moments. At Strong Memorial Hospital, many unaccompanied deaths occur each year. By connecting trained volunteers with these patients, NODA works to ensure that fewer individuals face the end of life alone. Volunteers offer quiet presence, compassion, and connection to remind patients that they matter, and most importantly, that they are not alone.

Volunteering

Volunteers receive training and guidance from the Palliative Care Department to prepare them for this meaningful role.

The following are the minimum requirements to volunteer:

• You feel comfortable around patients, visitors and family members in a palliative-care facility.
• You feel comfortable showing compassion to others in need.
• You can communicate clearly and fluently in English.
• You can perform volunteer activities with a minimum amount of supervision.
• You can meet NYS Department of Labor and Health Department requirements.
• You agree to submit to a background check, including Federal Exclusions and State Sanctions.
• You agree to complete our annual In-Service Training.

Contact Us

For any questions or more information, please reach out to the URMC Palliative Care Department at palliativecarevolunteers@urmc.rochester.edu.

For collaboration inquiries, please contact Anika Sharma at ashar51@u.rochester.edu.