USA Health Auxiliary unifies volunteer efforts for healthcare system

USA Health has created a new auxiliary that will serve as a governing board providing management of all volunteer auxiliary projects and fundraising activities for its healthcare entities.

The USA Health Auxiliary brings under one umbrella the leadership needed to represent and guide the volunteer experience at USA Health, ensuring the most impactful engagement for all volunteers, from greeters at University Hospital to diaper-changers at Children’s & Women’s Hospital to “Chemo Sabes” at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. It will manage the hospital gift shops, retail kiosks and fundraising events that support patient comfort projects, employee recognition, holiday meals and other specific needs.

“We are uniting our efforts to better serve our organization and to enrich the volunteer experience at USA Health,” said Belinda Baggett, director of volunteer services for USA Health. “Now when volunteers enter our program, there is consistent programming and support of a common mission – helping people lead longer, better lives.”

Baggett said the new approach offers volunteers more variety in giving of their time. “Once a volunteer is in our program, they are able to share their volunteer talents in multiple places at USA Health,” she said.

The new organization is led by a 10-member board of six volunteers and four USA Health employees, and collectively has a membership of approximately 200 volunteers. Membership is highly encouraged for all active volunteers at USA Health.

Baggett said that volunteers provide a variety of important services at both hospitals, the Strada Patient Care Center and MCI. “Our volunteers are often the first faces patients and their families see when visiting our facilities,” she said.

At University Hospital, for instance, volunteers staff the outpatient waiting areas to keep family members informed about patient status. They also take Jolly Trolley carts filled with reading material and other comfort items to patient rooms.

At Children’s & Women’s Hospital, volunteers support the Class Act program, help in play areas and assist mothers and their newborns. At the Mitchell Cancer Institute, volunteers known as “Chemo Sabes” provide pillows, snacks and general comfort to patients receiving chemotherapy. At the Strada Patient Care Center, volunteers greet families and direct them to the appropriate clinics.

“Dedicated volunteers speak to the health of any organization with a mission to serve the greater good,” said Susan Crutchfield, manager of physician and community outreach at MCI. “Often, our volunteers or their loved ones have been recipients of services themselves, which is what piques their interest in giving back.”

Volunteer officers for the USA Health Auxiliary volunteer are Connie Taylor, president; Debby Lowe, vice president of correspondence; Ron Wood, vice president of finance; Louise Holman, vice president of retail; Carolyn Jenkins, vice president of fundraising; and Beverly Nelson-Dykes, vice president of membership.

More information is available at Volunteering at USA Health.