Service Programs

The Overdose Response Program (ORP) is a HUPS initiative that aims to promote awareness about the risks and harms of opioid overdose through education and initiatives for the campus, community, and more to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and prepare folks with the tools they need to respond to an overdose. 

The Blood Drive Program is dedicated to saving lives by organizing blood donation events on campus, in collaboration with the Red Cross, Boston Children's Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital. We aim to rally Harvard and surrounding communities to contribute by signing up to donate, as hospitals continuously require blood supplies for patient care. By participating in these drives, donors play a crucial role in ensuring that hospitals have the resources needed to treat those in need.

The Harvard Undergraduate Brain Exercise Initiative (HUBEI) club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline through simple yet effective mental exercises. The club uses scientifically-backed exercises, such as reading, writing, and math activities, to stimulate the brain and promote neuroplasticity, particularly in senior citizens and individuals with Alzheimer's. BEI also fosters intergenerational connections, where volunteers, often students, engage with seniors to implement these exercises and create a supportive community. The club aims to improve cognitive health in an accessible, non-pharmaceutical way while raising awareness of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Letters Without Limits (LWL) is dedicated to redefining end-of-life care by connecting undergraduate student volunteers with hospice patients. Volunteers engage in meaningful conversations with these patients, and togehter, they co-write Legacy Letters to honor their lives and stories. The club aims to foster a more human-centered approach to medicine, prioritizing personal connection, collaboration, and patient narratives in every aspect of care.

The Breast Cancer Program (BCP) is an HPS initiative that focuses on providing comfort and support to breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. Breast cancer treatment can be a challenging and painful process, and patients often experience discomfort and soreness in the underarm area, particularly after surgery or radiation therapy. The underarm pillows provided by the Breast Cancer Program are designed to help alleviate this discomfort by providing cushioning and support to the affected area. One of the primary goals of the program is to create and distribute essential underarm pillows that can help alleviate the discomfort and pain experienced by patients during and after treatment.

The program is made up of a group of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer. These volunteers work tirelessly to acquire materials and sew together the pillows, which are then donated to nearby hospitals through the American Cancer Society.

The Hospital Translation Program (HTP) provides volunteers with opportunities to assist individuals in assisted living facilities or medical settings by offering essential translation services. This program helps bridge communication gaps, ensuring patients and staff can communicate effectively and receive the care they need.