The need for medical care is a need that most everyone will experience at some point throughout the course of a lifetime. Whether it is routine, preventive care, diagnostic testing or specialized medical care required in a more serious or emergent situation, receiving quality medical care and treatment is the expectation of most people when such a need arises.
Consumers often correlate quality medical care with the medical professionals providing it or the facility in which the care is provided; however, it is rare that one stops to think about the community members who make that care possible through their support of local health care programs and services, both financially and through their dedicated efforts of volunteerism. In many local community hospitals, such support is provided by auxiliary members, often referred to as “The Pink Ladies” for the bright pink jackets they routinely wear while on duty, although most hospital auxiliaries presently have both male and female members, volunteers and representation on their boards of directors. Chester River Health takes pride in the support of its very active hospital auxiliary whose members work tirelessly to help achieve the organization’s mission, which is why it is pleased to announce its celebration of National Volunteer Month, annually observed in April.
The auxiliary at the Chester River Hospital Center was established in 1935 and ever since it’s founding, the organization has been supported by an army of volunteers who tirelessly dedicate their energies to support patient care efforts through the raising of funds to benefit hospital programs and services. Auxiliary funds are primarily raised through sales at the Hospital’s gift shop, which opened its doors in 1965, and at the Nearly New Shop, which accepts donations of and resells gently used adult clothing, shoes, accessories, household items and books, and also features formal wear and designer clothing section. Located in downtown Chestertown at 320 High Street, the shop has been a part of the community since 1958. Both retail establishments are managed and staffed by auxiliary volunteers.
In addition, auxiliary volunteers play a crucial role in the daily operation of Chester River Hospital Center and contribute in countless ways to assure the highest-possible satisfaction to patients and visitors. Volunteers are a resource in clinical areas, providing assistance in multiple areas. They assist nurses and other hospital staff by performing messenger duties, patient and specimen transportation, assisting with and organizing daily patient menu selections, visitor registration, and general office support in various departments.
At present, the Auxiliary has 175 members who dedicated 13,067 volunteer hours in 2012. Through their efforts to raise funds to support Hospital services and programs, over the past year, the Auxiliary donated a total of $100,000 to benefit Chester River services including the purchase of new mammography equipment and the funding of the Hospital’s new Palliative Care Suite.
Jack Edson, President of the Auxiliary of Chester River Hospital Center comments, “The commitment of our Auxiliary volunteers is outstanding. Two volunteers just retired after a number of years of service, one having volunteered 2200 hours and the other 2700. This is indicative of the continued support and dedication of all of our volunteers. It would be impossible to compensate this level of support including the return to the Hospital in terms of service and continued financial gifts.”
It was once said that “The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.” Volunteers are presently needed by the Auxiliary at the Nearly New Shop, the Hospital Gift Shop and at Chester River Hospital Center, all of which schedule volunteers in three-hour shifts. For more information about volunteer commitment opportunities at Chester River Health, contact Jack Edson, Auxiliary President at (410)348-2159 or visit www.chesterriverhealth.org.
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