October 2011

The
Communicator
Alabama Council of Hospital Auxiliaries
October, 2011
Volume 23, Issue 4
During the last nine months it has been my goal to bring to you some information and encouragement
regarding ways to grow not only individually but also within your auxiliary. We have talked about moving outside our comfort zones and challenging ourselves to learn new things. Suggestions on ways to recruit and retain members have been exchanged and discussed and during this past quarter we talked
about how we might bring new auxiliaries into ACHA.
During this same time frame it has been my pleasure to attend at least one meeting in each of our four
districts. I have had the opportunity to learn firsthand how many of our members have taken this information and applied it to the ways they serve their auxiliaries, their hospitals and their communities. I
have been so impressed with the incredible degree of compassion, dedication and creativity that the auxiliary members
bring to whatever task they are called on to do. To say that I am proud of all of you is an understatement.
As we start the final quarter of this year there is one more area of growth that I want to ask you to consider and that is
serving on the ACHA board. Being an ACHA board member offers many opportunities for personal growth. It can challenge you to use your leadership talents, push you to learn new organizational skills and help you to develop confidence
and self esteem. Being an ACHA board member can give you the opportunity to share your knowledge and insights with
auxiliaries all over the state to help them become more productive and successful. Being an ACHA board member allows
you to work with some very talented and dedicated individuals who share a common goal which is to promote and support
our member auxiliaries.
There are a variety of positions on the ACHA board. You might be interested in serving as a District Chairman or Vice
Chairman .If you have been a gift shop manager or buyer, the newsletter editor or the historian for your auxiliary there is
a place for you on the board. If you have a passion for organization and enjoy event planning you would make a great Program Chairman and if you enjoy researching and investigating topics you would make a super State Project Chairman.
I encourage you to give some serious thought to serving on the ACHA board. I invite you to contact any board member
with your questions. If you have a specific position in mind talk with the person who is filling that position right now and
let them tell you about what they do and what they get out of serving in that capacity. A good time to meet with board
members is at the fall conference. You might stop by the ACHA Board roundtable networking session on Tuesday afternoon. There will be information available about the board, the positions and requirements and you can even set up a time
to meet with a board member one on one to talk. You can also stop by the Board reception Tuesday evening, enjoy a drink
and a snack and talk with board members who will be happy to answer your questions.
It is the first step of the journey that is always the hardest, however, if you are willing to take that first step I believe you
will find the rewards and benefits are well worth the trip.
Billie Simpson, ACHA Chairman
ACHA Fall Conference
October 23 - 26, 2011
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
Summer Temps – they do slow
As the Project Chair for Alabama Council of Hospital Auxiliayou down, or have you noticed? BUT this
ries, I continue to network with auxiliaries about their efforts to address
the topic of Alzheimer’s/Dementia. I attended the ACHA Board Meeting
week the mornings have had a touch of fall
on August 17 and a District IV President’s meeting at Thomas Hospital
with lower temps, so maybe we soon will
Medical Center in Daphne on July 12 where I learned more about profind relief from the heat and humidity .
ject activities.
I attended the District I meeting
June 9th in Sheffield. Helen Keller’s auxiliary hosted the
I found this article in one of the University of South Alabama’s
meeting. As usual, Tom Guyton, District Chairman, had an
entertaining “Call to Order” with the help of some of Helen publications (Beyond Medical Headlines, July 22, 2011). I’m sharing
Keller’s auxilians. You would have loved this theatrical some highlights from the article “Reducing Your Risk for Alzheimer’s“
but, it is worth reading in its entirety at http://www.usahealthsystem.com
production of “Frog Went A’Courtin.”
There were great reports at the Sheffield meeting. Beyond Medical Headlines newsletter.
Cherokee continues its child advocacy and extended family
prison ministries; Cullman is financially assisting the On- • Currently, an estimated 5.3 million Americans of all ages have Alzcology Patient Assistance Fund; Helen Keller helped the heimer's disease
Alzheimer’s Day Care center celebrate St Patrick’s Day;
Huntsville hosted a “Let’s Pretend Hospital” program for • Every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's disone week inviting 1st graders from 38 schools to tour the
ease
hospital hoping to eliminate unknown hospital fears; Highlands has provided ambulance drivers with toys for the
children they transport; Marshall North bought chairs for • The number of people with AD is increasing; by mid-century, somethe therapy department; Crestwood provides TV/DVD one will develop Alzheimer's every 33 seconds
units for rooms; and Decatur North made a large donation
In Alabama, the number of people with AD is expected to into the Hospital Foundation. This district is doing a great
crease
by
50 percent in the next 25 years
job.
District IV’s quarterly meeting was hosted by
As the author points out- “if you are concerned about acquiring
Thomas Hospital Auxiliary at Thomas Medical Center,
Alzheimer's Dementia, do not take up smoking and quit if you are
th
Daphne, on July 12 . It was pleasing to welcome State
already a smoker. Get as much formal education as you can and pursue
Chair Billie and Past Chair Sharon and her granddaughter,
learning throughout your life. Continue to exercise and maintain a norTaylor,
mal ideal body weight.”
to District IV. Project Chairman Betty Caffey and Gift
Shop Chairman Connie Taylor were also present so we had Other Project Activities…
almost half the state board present. We again heard great
auxiliary reports as the eleven auxiliaries shared the work
I sent a letter to all state Auxiliary presithey were doing in their hospitals.
dents requesting AD project updates. Thank you to
District IV representatives were sorry to learn those who responded (Vaughn Medical Center, Cullabout the closure of Southwest Alabama Medical Center in man Regional Medical Center, Bryan W. Whitfield
Thomasville; but the district is very happy to learn the aux- Memorial Hospital) and I look forward to hearing
iliary will continue to operate. Southwest Medical’s Auxil- from others about their projects.
iary has always served not only their hospital, but they had
many of auxilians working in the attached nursing home.
Betty Caffey, Project Chairman
Therefore, they will continue to help the staff of the nursing
home.
The following are some thoughts sent in by Billie Simpson, ACHA
Two ACHA board meetings have been held this
State Chairman:
th
th
summer - June 15 and August 17 . District III scheduled
a district meeting the day following our August state meeting; so Billie, Sharon, and I had a girls’ night out in Mont- “If you want your dreams to come true, you mustn’t oversleep”
gomery before attending this meeting in Wetumpka on August 18.
“The Best vitamin for making friends ………...B-1”
Elmore Community Hospital hosted this meeting.
Repeating what I have said for the other districts – the re- “Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some
ports and what the auxiliaries are doing in their respective
kind of battle.”
districts is extraordinary. I would like to congratulate Elmore’s Auxiliary on their selection of speakers. Mark
“Ideas won’t work - unless you do”
Brooks/Lynn Ulrick and Ronnie Dennis gave excellent presentations on home health and hospice care, and what is
available especially for Alzheimer/Dementia patients. This
“The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice”
trio seemed in touch with their professions, what is available, and how to get it. They complimented each other with
“The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!”
their information and their answers to questions.
As the state year comes to a close, you should have received your information for our Annual Conference in Birmingham on October 23rd – 26th. I have enjoyed meeting you at the
district meetings I was able to attend this year; and I hope I will
see you again at the Wynfrey next month.
REMEMBER count your blessings and as you serve your
hospital be thankful you are able to do it.
Alice Hinger, Chair - Elect
“Your mind is like a parachute…. It functions only when open”
“Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important”
“It is never to late to become what you might have been”
2
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
Where are the Gift Shop Visitors? Let me know what your area Gift
Shops are selling. What catches your eye? Their display? Their groupings? What’s unique?
I was really impressed with Mobile Infirmary’s newly renovated, expanded shop. The entrance was so welcoming with seasonal wreaths on
the mahogany French doors. The wreaths sell almost as soon as they are
placed on the doors. Ms Dottie Rogers stated that the wreaths are created by the Florist that delivers
their flowers. Their showcase of Alabama and Auburn collegiate items are displayed side by side and are
big sellers. Also eye catching were their round tiered glass topped displays that wee uniquely arranged
with elephants and angels, items for babies, etc. Their jewelry display was interesting, not only did they
have the usual little black bust but a larger display that reminds you of a headless Venus de Milo.
Don & Sarajane Pugh,
Newsletter Co-Chairs
We are so excited about the
upcoming ACHA Fall Conference in Birmingham. We always enjoy meeting each of the
auxiliary members from across
the state and look forward to
hearing about what you are
doing at your hospitals. We
are always willing to take time
to talk with you about your
newsletters, activities you have
planned and/or events you are
having which involve your volunteers. I am still looking for
unusual stories and would love
to feature your auxiliary if you
have a really interesting story
about something you are doing.
We wish we could visit every
hospital and take photos and
get your stories first hand, but
there is just not enough daylight hours.
SO, you need to
put on your thinking hats and
come up with some interesting
stories to be put into the Communicator. As always, PHOTOS make the Communicator
more colorful and interesting,
so please email pictures with
your articles. I hope you have
enjoyed reading about your
auxiliaries, but if you have not
sent me anything, I can’t print
it………..Sorry?
Please continue to
send information to us using
our
email
address
[email protected]
If you are looking for that different outfit and you want to be that “fashionista” of the day, Mobile Infirmary’s gift shop has that item to help you make that fashion statement.
At USA Medical Center’s shop, Angels were prominently displayed along with Bible Covers. If you collect angels the ones at USAMC are a collection called Elements Sister and Sara’s Angels all purchased
from the Atlanta Market. Check them out on your next trip to Mobile or Market.
I will revisit Providence Hospital, as they have recently renovated their Gift Shop. We will
find out what’s new, what’s improved and what is being purchased by their customers.
Constance Taylor, Gift Shop Chairman
It is time for all of us to make ready for the ACHA Fall Conference in Birmingham.
It has been interesting to receive pictures and articles from auxilians over the state. If you
have not been among those sending materials to me, PLEASE get it in the mail so you will be
included in this year’s ACHA yearbook. Many of you are participating in the state project
on Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease. Since we will have this project for 2012, I would like to
have project pictures and/or published articles to document your progress. Each hospital auxiliary has
their own ideas to further the awareness of this project. Also, if your auxiliary had special projects to
help your community after the April tornadoes, please send me photos and articles to place in the yearbook. We don’t want to miss a thing, because all you do is Important!!!
You may send your information to email at [email protected] or mail to me at 407 S.
Strawberry Avenue, Demopolis, AL 36732. It is not to late to respond!!! I am looking forward to display your yearbooks and seeing your auxiliary members at the conference in October.
Thanks for all your help………
Betty Baxley, Historian
Welcome to Helping Hands Association:
At the September 22nd meeting, the AlaHA Board of Trustees approved the membership of the Helping Hands Association. This auxiliary is
affiliated with North Alabama Medical Centers, which is comprised of North
Alabama Medical Center, Coffee Campus and North Alabama Medical Center, Shoals Campus. The auxiliary supports both facilities.
Welcome to President Melissa Quillen of Florence, Alabama.
Save this date:
In order to allow for BETTER NEWS Reporting of your Auxiliaries
each quarter, we are CHANGING most of the dates to provide for District meeting, etc. 2011
or if needed by mail to
dates are as follows: These will be the DEADLINES for articles and photos.
762 Cambridge Lane,
Tuscaloosa, AL. 35406.
We
can be reached
(205)462-3374.
December 8th
at
Don & Sarajane
The Communicator is
ONLINE
Go to www.alaha.org then click to AFFILATES on that page go down to
>>Auxiliaries, Alabama Council of Hospitals (ACHA), which will allow you to open
“The Communicator” .
3
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
Volunteers
“To the World, You May Just be One Person;
But….To One Person - You May Just be the Whole World!”
Sunday, October 23
Tuesday, October 25
3:00– 6:00
Registration
8:30-9:30
4:00
ACHA Board Meeting
Speaker: Nancy Dixon or Carmen Knox
5:15-6:00
“First Timers” Meeting
Coosa Valley Medical Center Behavioral Health
6:30 p.m.
Welcome - Billie Simpson, ACHA State Chair
7:00-8:00 p.m.
District Dinner - Sit with your District &
9:45-10:45
Concurrent Sessions - Choose One
* Health Care Reform Update
Wear District color: Dist. I - Blue, Dist. II - Red,
Dist. III - Purple,
Mixer Breakfast
J. Frazier Rolen, Jr., Senior VP AlaHA
Dist. IV - Green
* How to Have More Efficient & Effective Meetings
8:15-10:00 p.m. BINGO
Walter “Jake” Jacobsen, Creative Solutions
Each Auxiliary is asked to donate one item ($25) as prizes.
* Safety & Awareness Tidbits
Chief Louis Zook, Sylacauga Police Dept. &
Monday, October 24
7:00-8:30 a.m.
Debi Jacobson, Coosa Valley Med. Ctr. Auxiliary
Drop Off Yearbooks, Newsletters, Tray Favors
And Special Projects entries in Avon Room
7:00-11:00
Registration
7:00-8:30
Attend Health Fair
8:30-9:15
9:30-12:00
* Recruitment, Retention & Recognition
Susann Montgomery-Clark, CFRE, CAP, VP
Thompson & Associates
Provided by Coosa Valley
10:45-11:00
Break
Breakfast
11:00-12:00
Same Sessions Above Repeated
General Session
12:00-1:30 p.m. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
“The Value of Volunteers”
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Debbie Childers, writer and author
Roundtables & Networking
Attend up to 4 interactive sessions - 25 min. each
10:30-10:45
Break
* ACHA Board
* Tray Favors
12:15-1:30
Lunch
* Newsletters
* Yearbooks
“Leading Volunteers”
* Gift Shops
* Special Programs
Walter “Jake” Jacobson, Creative Solutions
6:00 p.m.
1:30-2:30 p.m.
District Meetings
2:30-3:00 p.m.
Preview of Exhibits (Gift Shop Buyers ONLY!)
3:00-5:30 p.m.
Vendors Fair for EVERYONE!
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Vendors Reception
Dinner (Sunday Dress Requested)
ACHA Business Meeting & Installation of Officers
9:00 p.m.
ACHA Board Reception
All Attendees invited to visit with Board Members
Wednesday, October 26
Vendor Door Prize Drawings (Must be Present to Win)
DINNER ON YOUR OWN!!!!!!!!!
8:30-11:00 a.m. Breakfast - Presentation of Awards
Awards - Newsletter, Tray Favors, Yearbooks,
& Tray Favors
- Conference Wrap-Up
Door Prizes !!!! (Must Be Present to WIN!)
4
The Communicator
AROUND THE STATE
Volume 23 Issue 4
District I
District I held its 3rd quarter conference on September 6th. Hosted by Crestwood Medical Center Auxiliary (Huntsville), Nina Mitchell
President, 45 auxilians representing Crestwood Medical Center Auxiliary, Decatur General Auxiliary, Helen Keller Hospital Auxiliary,
Highlands Medical Center Auxiliary, Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary, Marshall Medical Center North Auxiliary, Marshall Medical Center
South Auxiliary and Helping Hand Auxiliary attended.
A special welcome was given to representatives of Helping Hand Auxiliary which is now the newest member of ACHA. Of interest is the
fact that this particular auxiliary is the result of a recent merger of North Alabama Medical Center and Eliza Coffee Memorial (EMC)
Hospital both of the Florence / Shoals area. Volunteers of the hospitals will now serve from 2 locations as a single group.
After the official welcome from Crestwood’s CEO, Dr. Pam Hudson, the hospital’s Director of Guest Relations/Volunteer Services, Veronica Carter spoke on “Making First Impressions Last”. Following the business meeting and luncheon, the meeting adjourned.
Special mention is made of Crestwood Auxiliary’s “official greeter” - “Minnie Mouse” Jones, who served double
duty as not only a greeter on the inside but also director of traffic for auxilians who weren’t sure where to park and/or enter the hospital.
Photo shows “Minnie” providing parking directions to visiting auxilians AND “Minnie”
as she gives a surprise greeting to Zenda Wesnor, President of Decatur General Auxiliary.
Tom Guyton, District I Chair
Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary Remember when we started school after Labor Day…the first week of September? Our summer youth
volunteers returned to school the first week of August! As you can imagine…we really miss them! We are fortunate to have a few that
have promised to stay and serve during the school year. Other needs will soon be filled by college students looking for opportunities to
serve in the hospital and gain experience in a hospital setting. Many of them are bound for nursing and medical school. They are a huge
asset to us as well and we look forward to their arrival for training and placement on September 21.
On August 20, Auxilians traveled to Guntersville State Park to help with the preparations for a fun filled day for children, and their family
members, that struggle with the challenges that come with having Type 1 diabetes. Auxilians prepared lunches for all that attended. Not
only did the children enjoy lunch, but they also enjoyed a day filled with activities such as archery, horseback riding, swimming, boating,
relay games and crafts. The camp, which is nestled in the woods on Guntersville Lake, also provided children who are living with diabetes
the opportunity to bond with others and allowed parents to network with other families that face similar struggles.
In support the state Auxiliary project, our Auxiliary donated $1000 to the Behavioral Health Unit at Huntsville
Hospital for the purchase of therapy supplies (shown in photo) used in treating geriatric and dementia patients.
Supplies included items such as games, DVD’s and activities designed to stimulate the brain and trigger the
memory of patients. The department was very appreciative and reported their patients have responded positively to the additional therapy they have received.
We are all thrilled about cooler weather approaching and look forward to digging out those chunky sweaters
and warm scarves! Fashion experts say one of the best ways to make a well worn outfit feel new again is to buy a new accessory! So, we are
hosting a “Fall into Bling” sale in the Gift Shop. All fall jewelry will be 25% off. Two of our volunteers have offered to keep the gift shop
open until midnight so third shift staff can take advantage of the sale too! I’m confident the crowns of volunteers are going to be filled with
genuine bling one day!
Marshall Medical Center Auxiliary
Hello everyone!!
Our Auxiliary has been busy as usual. We have had some members taking vacations and a few have been sick. Everyone
has been wonderful to fill in for each other. We have some new members and they have been working extra days. We thank
you all for working all the hours you work.
The Craft Committee has been busy making crafts for our patients. They are making little bears and giving to our patients
admitted to the hospital, those that are in the emergency department, day surgery department and diagnostic imaging. This
committee never ceases to amaze us. They constantly come up with new ideas.
We had a new company named “Dazzles” do a fund raiser for us. Although it was not payroll deduction, it did really well.
We are very proud that Billie Simpson is from Marshall Medical Center North. Billie is the ACHA Chairman for 2010-2011.
Our new officers for 2011-2012 are:
President - Nada Hornbuckle
Vice President - Ernestine King
Treasurer - Sandy Cameron
Secretary - Betty Hendrix
Director of the ED - Bertha Phillips
Director of Gift Shop—Pat Henry
Director of Information Desk - Doris Glover
Director of Lab - Johnnie Ruth Light
Calling Committee - Judy Roads
Craft Committee Chairman - Pauline Payton
Gift Shop Purchaser—Linda Davidson
Newsletter Editor - Betty Hendrix
Year Book Editor - Rita Reinbold
We look forward to seeing all of you at the ACHA meeting in Birmingham in October.
Diane Butler, Director of Volunteer Services
5
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
AROUND THE STATE
District I
Crestwood Medical Center
We’ve had a hot, but exciting summer at Crestwood Medical Center. During June and July, we
had 121 local high school students volunteer as part of our summer teenage volunteer program. We had two sessions of students with us
for 4 hours each day, weekdays for 3 weeks. The interest was so great that we offered an additional session for 2 weeks.
The teenage volunteers donated over 4900 hours during the two months. They volunteered in 24 different areas of the hospital.
Their help was so valuable. This program provides them an opportunity to explore career options in healthcare. It also gives our adult
volunteers an opportunity to take a break during the summer months.
We currently have 68 adult volunteers. The adult volunteers recently voted to provide a welcome gift to each patient upon admission. We have ordered small notepads and pens for the bags. We are also exploring other items that would benefit patients during their
stay.
There are some exciting projects underway at Crestwood. We are purchasing two sleeper recliners for patients’ families. We
hope to purchase several more during the next year. We are working with the Guest Relations department to create a new patient guide.
Once complete, our volunteer patient advocates will educate patients during their rounds on important information within the guide.
Our DVS, Veronica Carter recently celebrated her ten year anniversary at Crestwood Medical Center. She was honored for her
years of service during the recent Employee Recognition banquet. She began as the Volunteer Coordinator and has been promoted several
times.
Crestwood was pleased to host the District 1 meeting this summer. We had 45 people representing the hospitals in the northern
district. They braved the constant rain to attend the meeting.
Volunteers are Angels was the theme for the day and decorations. Dr. Pam Hudson spoke to the group and emphasized the importance of the volunteers within hospitals. The guest speaker was our DVS, Veronica Carter. She spoke as the hospital patient advocate
and HCAHPS champion. She shared information about the national, standardized patient satisfaction survey and its impact on patients’
quality and safety in hospitals.
Lunch was hospital food catered by Crestwood’s Executive Chef. I think most will agree it was great. We look forward to the
Veronica Carter, DVS
state conference in Birmingham. We hope to bring several volunteer board members and volunteers.
Helen Keller Hospital Auxiliary
As shown in the photo left, one of the latest projects for our auxiliary was the purchase of a vein finder system. We purchased 5 Accu Vein units along with “hands free”
stands for each. For those patients who are difficult to stick,
use of the device will mean fewer attempts at locating the vein
and will greatly cut down on the stress the patients may have.
Another project we completed was the purchase of four
sets of scales, two digital and two dial-type for use with congestive heart failure patients. One of each type will be placed on
the two Med/Surg Units. (Shown in photo right)
Highlands Medical Center Auxiliary
Members of the Highland Auxiliary are shown left
standing behind a bus purchased for the Nursing
Home. The Auxiliary contributed over $27,000 to
help with the purchase, with the Highlands Foundation making up the difference in the purchase
price. The new handicap bus will be put into service along with one purchased by the Auxiliary
over ten years ago which still serves the residents.
We have 22 active members and 2 inactive members. Our members have worked 1102
hours this quarter. We had our 1st ever Masquerade Jewelry Sale and it was a big success . We also
had our annual Mother’s Day Bake Sale with employees standing in line to buy our baked goods.
We made $450 on this sale. The Auxiliary also
purchased a cart for the Sleep Center to be used
for breakfast snacks for the patients who spend
the night. We are continuing our weekly Bingo
games and prizes in the nursing home.
Decatur General Hospital Auxiliary
Current officers of the Auxiliary are shown in the
photo left to right are: Shirley Reid - CDVS, Don Fries Immediate Past President, Amy Rape - Recording Secretary, Zenda Wesnor - President, Helen Teague - Committee Chairman, Mary Toth - Treasurer, and (not pictured)
Yvonne Elliott - Vice President
Following the April
tornadoes, Cullman has been
very
busy.
There
were
many Cullman Regional Medical Center families
touched by the devastation of the storms and we want
to continue to keep them in our daily thoughts and
prayers. As we continue to dig out and rebuild, our
dedicated volunteers have maintained their working
schedules and are helping others in need. Thank you
goes out to all of our dedicated staff.
We want to honor two of our volunteers: Howard Ellis, a
retired engineer with NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center.
Howard was our Volunteer of the Month for August. Ann
Melson, a charter member of the Decatur Auxiliary was our
Volunteer of the Month for July. We are proud of both of
Zenda Wesnor, President
you. Thanks for all you do.
6
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
AROUND THE STATE District II
Brookwood Medical Center Auxiliary
During this past quarter the auxiliary added one new adult volunteer. The Auxiliary currently has 70 active volunteers who worked 2,257.25 regular hours and 424 special project hours during the quarter. For the summer we had 18 teenagers volunteering both in the hospital, at Vestavia Family Care, and at Outpatient Rehab.
The TULAS…TUesday LAdieS…..helped children affected by the April tornadoes. They purchased coloring books, crayons,
puzzles, socks and playing cards. The Brookwood Medical Auxiliary also helped out by donating $1,000 to the Tenet Care Fund to help
employees impacted by the storms. Tenet is the company that owns Brookwood.
The Brookwood Medical Center volunteers and staff attended the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on April 19 at Brookdale
Place at University Park in the Gazebo Room. Our theme this year was “Volunteers Plant the Seeds of Kindness” and the room was decorated with flowers. Miss Alabama, Ashley Davis, was our special guest. She thanked the volunteers and the Brookwood Medical Auxiliary for their donation to the Miss Alabama scholarship fund. She autographed pictures of herself and also entertained everyone with her
beautiful voice.
The Auxiliary held a Uniform Sale on March 24 & 25. The gross for the two-day sale was $74,275.99, with the auxiliary’s commission being $13,503.44. This was one of the highest grossing uniform sales the auxiliary has sponsored so far.
The Scholarship Committee of the Brookwood Medical Auxiliary met in June and awarded a total of $20,000 in scholarships to
twenty three college students in healthcare related fields. The recipients
received from $500 - $1,500 each. The Auxiliary also gave $4,000 to the
Miss Alabama scholarship fund. The two recipients were Amber Key, a
student at Gadsden State, who received $1,000.00 and Kimberly Friend,
a second year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at
UAB, who received $3,000. The Miss Alabama pageant has a committee
of judges who award the scholarships based on outstanding academic
DCH Regional Medical Center Auxiliary During the last five
months, our city has faced many challenges. We were all affected in some
way by the tornado of April 27. Many DCH employees and several auxiliary
members suffered loss. Some lost all they had - others just minor losses. We
have seen our community come together in a way most have never experienced during their lifetimes.
Within 48 hours of the tornados touching down in Tuscaloosa the
DCH RMC Volunteer Auxiliary set up a distribution center for supplying
toiletries, diapers and other baby supplies, clothing, etc. Volunteers manned
the center during the day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Through this effort DCH
employees were given the opportunity to pick up much needed provisions to
see them through this difficult time. A special thank you goes out to our projects committee! Under the leadership of Priscilla Veron with the assistance
of Kristie Scott and their committee members, we had great success with our
sales!
Furniture was purchased for the simulation lab used for clinical
training ($10,000) during the second quarter. The Quest Center for will be
used in a joint effort between DCH Nursing Education and Development and
the University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Institute
for Rural Health Research. Monetary contributions were presented to Caring Days ($1,000) and Nurses Day gifts ($1,000).
Sandra Simpson, President
Northport Medical Center Auxiliary
Morgan Johnson, Jr. Volunteer at Northport
Medical Center competed in the National American Miss Pageant this summer. Competing in
interview, fashion, most photogenic and evening
wear, Morgan won numerous awards and won
the overall title of Alabama National American
Miss. She will compete for the national title during the week of Thanksgiving in Anaheim, CA at
Patsy Nowell, PresiDisney Land.
Pickens County Medical Center Auxiliary
During our January quarterly auxiliary meeting Judy Halbert, volunteer
and advocate for recycling, gave a motivational presentation she titled
“Clean up our environment, save our land fields.” At our April quarterly
meeting Alzheimer’s disease pamphlets were distributed and ways to participate in our state project were discussed. Laverne Bryant was named
volunteer of the year and ten new volunteers joined our auxiliary bringing
our total to sixty-one active volunteers. In our meetings we voted to:
1. provide five medical education financial scholarships - $2,500.
2. purchase an Arc Trainer Aerobic conditioner for our physical therapy
department in memory of two volunteers - $5,230, and
3. purchase a new time clock for volunteer use - $1,662.
The Auxiliary’s President attended the Medical Center’s annual
Pickens County Hospital Association Board of Director’s meeting and
presented our annual report to the community.
Valentine, Easter, and Memorial Day tray favors were made and
given to our patients by Lois Bruce.
Several volunteers helped with the hospital’s grand opening of
Carrollton Primary Care Clinic and a Foundation fundraiser. One volunteer cooked and donated food for an American Heart Association Fundraiser meal held on our hospital grounds.
The auxiliary provided two $20 gift certificates for door prizes to
be given away during our hospital’s annual Scale Back Alabama awards
ceremony.
Jan Grant, new volunteer, assumed the responsibility of coordinating and conducting our hospital’s annual University of Alabama, College of Community Health Sciences, Rural Health Scholar’s tour. She was a
perfect match for this project because her husband is the county’s newest
surgeon.
Jane Oliver, Auxiliary President
Bibb County Medical Center hosted the District II meeting. The
Tropical Theme was fun and colorful. The guest speaker told of
her personal experience with caring for a parent with Alzheimer/
Dementia Disease.
She was able to
better explain the
problems one encounters when working and dealing
with a parent with the disease and
gave some insight as to how to get
through it all. There was a large turnout at the event. Hattie Terry, Pres.
7
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
District II
AROUND THE STATE
Walker Baptist Medical Center
Princeton Baptist Medical Center Auxiliary
We have had a very busy summer. Our Masquerade Sale was held on May 4th and 5th. This is always a very
good sale and a lot of fun.
It wasn’t long after that we were able to move
back to our own office . We were moved to the professional
building for about 2 months because of our expansion project.
At the beginning of June we had 31 youth and 3
college students to work
until the end of July.
On June 8th and 9th we had our Dynamic Cookware Sale. This is a good sale for us because they bring
some very useful kitchen items.
We have just voted to completely refurbished the
prayer room in the emergency department. This has been a
need for a long time.
Since July we have added 6 new adult volunteers
to our roster. We are so excited because we have 3 new
male volunteers, that gives us a total of 6 male volunteers.
During the months of April, May & June we welcomed three new
volunteers and as of June 30th, we had 63 active and 50 inactive members.
Walker Baptist volunteers worked 5100 1/2 hours during the 2nd quarter.
Our teen volunteers worked 777 1/2 hours during the month of June.
We hosted a fundraiser which was our Masquerade Jewelry Sale
in April and raised over $9,110 in total net sales.
In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation week, a charter bus took
us from the hospital to our destination of Tuscumbia, Alabama. There we
toured Ivy Green, the birthplace and home of Helen Keller. We had BBQ
lunch at the beautiful Spring Park which has a spectacular waterfall and
Native American statuary. We shopped in Historic downtown Tuscumbia
and toured the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and learned the significant
musical heritage of the State of Alabama and particularly the famous Muscle Shoals Music. There were 44 volunteers in attendance.
Enclosed is a
picture of Tina
with some of our
new male volunteers!
Jane
Pearson,
Princeton Auxiliary
President
Shelby Baptist Medical Center Auxiliary
April - We did custom Easter baskets and sold
them. This project netted around $1000 for the auxiliary.
Miller Piggot, chairman of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama
was our guest speaker at our April 5th meeting and was
very well received. The auxiliary voted to make this our
special project. We made decorated and sold cupcakes on
Friday before Easter and raised $356.25. We voted to increase this amount and were able to send a check for $500
to Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. All of the renovations
to our office space were completed and we were able to purchase two new chairs and a table. The old furniture was
donated to a cancer center waiting room in the hospital.
On April 14th, we were treated to a great volunteer luncheon. Many of the great “Hollywood Stars” attended and we
all enjoyed great food and fun.
In May, we held a Masquerade Jewelry Sale with
profits of over $3300. During National Nurses Week, we
provided trays of cookies and thank you cards to all the
nurse’s stations. We collected donations of furniture, food,
etc. for tornado victims. We voted to change our auxiliary
year to January - December to coincide with the hospital.
In June we completed our pictorial directory,
printed it and passed out copies to all members of the auxiliary. In the last three months, we had an average of 63 volunteers who worked 4,463 hours.
Ann Dawson, President
April 27th, 2011 will forever hold a special meaning for everyone
in Alabama who was impacted by the storms. After the storms, our Auxiliary thought it would be nice to do something special for our hospital staff to
thank them for their dedication and hard work. So on May 13th, we served
pink lemonade to approximately 224 of our staff members and we had the
opportunity to thank them for a “job well done” .
Our Auxiliary purchased an Ophthalmoscope at the request of
Walker Baptist in order to improve our patient eye care area. The piece of
equipment costs over $3,125. The instrument will make a difference in the
hospital’s ability to provide advanced care to our patients.
On June 6th, we had 28 teens come into our summer teen program
for a 7 week period. The program allows teens to work all over the hospital
doing a variety of jobs. The program not only helps the hospital, but it
allows the teens to experience the medical atmosphere and may well lead to
some of them following a career path which will bring them into the medical
field in their future.
The Auxiliary supplied 82 Walker Teddy Bears and 97 Teddy Bear
Kits to our Pediatric patients. We supplied 31 Baby New Testaments during
the month of June. Also, our tray favors/crafts department made 360 tray
favors during the 2nd quarter.
Marty Staggs, President
Susan Hood, Coordinator of Volunteer Services at Fayette Medical
Center was awarded the Employee Excellence
Award for the fourth quarter of 2010. She has
been employed at Fayette Medical Center since
April 2003. Congratulations SUSAN !!!!!!
Fayette Medical Center
St. Vincent’s East Medical Center Auxiliary May was very busy for most of our Auxilians. We had a very profitable Uniform sale
and we decided to do three sales a year. We had our recognition luncheon and installation of officers. Cathy Storch did a great job of
making us feel so special. This summer we had a student intern from the University of Alabama. She became a real asset helping in our
office, Lobby Shop and many other areas. We miss her already.
With any merger you prepare for changes. As of August 15th, 2011, the Auxiliary of St. Vincent’s East will no longer own our
Gift Shop, but will continue to staff it. The Gift Shop will have a Manager and a new Director. Lee Patterson will be responsible for St.
Vincent’s East Shops.
Our DVS, Cathy will continue her responsibilities at St. Vincent’s East and supervise the St. Vincent’s Birmingham in her areas
of responsibility. Cathy Storch is so capable and such a great leader and we have been blessed and so will the people at St. Vincent’s Birmingham. She will remain at her East Campus office and we are so pleased for her.
Judy Clark
8
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
AROUND THE STATE District II
St. Vincent’s St Clair Auxiliary
President Judy Brennan
thanked Gloria Richards for her
help in organizing a yard sale for
the auxiliary. She said, “it helped
to prepare the auxiliary for the upcoming fundraisers.” In July, it was
an exciting month with a tour of the new hospital in preparation for
the upcoming move. We also met with the contractor over our gift
shop and office interior.
In August, Judy thanked Kathy and Barbara for the great
job they did with the jewelry sale and a special thanks to everyone
who worked to make it such a great success.
Finally in September, the auxiliary had a great uniform sale.
The sales doubled what they had done previously. Thanks went out
to Betty Turner, Maxine Gowins and Barbara Alvis for all the time
and help they put into making it a success.
Trinity Medical Center Auxiliary
Trinity has five new members for this quarter,
which brings our total to 68 active volunteers. A total of
3,730 hours were worked by the volunteers. We hosted a
book sale which raised $1,539.27 for the auxiliary and in
turn we have given over $8,200 to the hospital for philanthropic programs.
Activities for the
quarter included a Coffee for the Volunteers, Luncheon for
auxiliary members at The Club, General membership
meeting with installation of new officers, and a Retirement
Tea for Ethelyn Staughter who had over 44 years of service
giving over 18,650 hours of volunteer time to the Trinity
Medical Center.
We had 22 teens complete the Volunteer
Youth Program this summer. We gave 35 microwave ovens for the Hospital Inn.
Judy Brennan, President SVSC Auxiliary
Sandra Whalen, President
University Hospital Auxiliary/UAB Medicine/UAB Hospital
April - A luncheon was held for all volunteers who serve in waiting rooms. Malcolm Marler, Director of Chaplains, facilitated the discussion in which volunteers shared ideas and suggestions for meeting the needs of patients’ families.
On Tuesday, April 26th the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was held at Vestavia Country Club. After a delicious
lunch, the Director of Volunteer Services presented a gift to each volunteer. The surprise gift was the new maroon uniform
in the style which the volunteer had selected!
May - UAB has released a Rap video detailing the warning signs of Strokes. Three of the video “stars” are Auxiliary volunteers. To see the video, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1bpjYofZtY
June - The June 20th General Membership Meeting was an exciting evening. Volunteers were greeted with a generous array of appetizers prepared by Chef Doug. Officers and Chairpersons gave reports and the Volunteer of the Year
was announced. This year’s recipient is Kay Kinnear who has volunteered in the Gift Shop, worked on the pecan sales, and
Chaired the Used Book Sale. The 2011-2012 Officers were installed by Dot Jurgens, a former Auxiliary President. The
highlight of the meeting was a concert given by Chris and Dunia Ritchey and their ten children. The three oldest children
were recently selected to tour Europe with the Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus.
On June 26th two applicants were selected to receive the first Auxiliary Scholarships. Both recipients are current
UAB employees who are studying to become Registered Nurses.
Carol Hunter, President, UAB Hospital Auxiliary
Sorry Carol, I couldn’t make the photos work!
Share this “Communicator” with other
volunteers in your Auxiliary. Not everyone gets to see their pictures & articles.
District III
Our August 18, 2011, meeting in Wetumpka was attended by 45 auxilians representing 9 out of 13 hospitals.
The auxiliary of Elmore Community Hospital was our host hospital. We were pleased to have with us, Billie Simpson, State Chair, Alice
Hinger, Chair-Elect, Sharon Farst, Past Chair, and Debi Jacobson, State Program Chair.
A highlight of our meeting was the Thought for the Day given by Frances Till. As part of her
presentation, she recited from memory a moving poem. Mrs. Till (seated in photo with green
jacket) is 92 years young and an active ECH auxilian – truly an inspiration to us all. Ronnie
Dennis, Lake Martin Hospice and Mark Brooks and Lynn Ulrich from Ivy Creek Home Health
were our speakers. All of the speakers were excellent. Their talks were very informative and I
think we all learned a lot. Thanks ECH auxiliary for obtaining such wonderful speakers for
our meeting. Sharon Farst, Past Chair Elect, read a young boy’s prayer about his grandmother with Alzheimer. We, as adults, are often so busy coping with this debilitating disease
that we forget the impact it has on the young children in our families. Sharon’s poem reminded
us that Alzheimer also brings loss of a grandparent or other loved one into their young lives.
Green County Hospital/Nursing Home Auxiliary is the newest auxiliary in District III. At our meeting, Johnnie Knott, on behalf of her
auxiliary, expressed their appreciation to Sharon Farst for the support and guidance given them in the formation of their auxiliary. Many
of the auxilians of Green County Hospital have faithfully attended our District III meetings. It is a pleasure to have them with us.
The District III Discussion Group focused on Recruitment and Retention opportunities in the Baby Boomer Generation. Billie Simpson
shared many ideas with the group on how we might grow our volunteer service. We hope the meeting handouts will spark further R&R
discussion in each auxiliary. Our aim is to grow our auxiliaries and make volunteering a meaningful experience for our auxilians.
Our thanks for a great District III meeting go to Barbara LeNoir and the Elmore Community Hospital Auxiliary.
Julie Hill, Chair - District III - Beverly Commander, Vice Chair
9
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
AROUND THE STATE
District III
Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
The Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial
Hospital Auxiliary began working in April with the hospital’s Geriatric Behavioral Health Program to help area patients with Alzheimer’s disease. In May we gave the department $2,000
which was used to purchase materials including books and tool samples (as seen in the photo)
for them to work with. Behavioral Health was very thankful for our donation and our dedication to BWWMH.
The Auxiliary also received thanks from the children who participated in the Wellness Center’s
fitness program. We contributed funds to purchase supplies for this program, as well as provide scholarships for needy students. We had a successful jewelry sale and blood drive in
June. Some of our members attended the District III meeting in May. We have lots of things
planned and will stay busy in the fall.
Our fall conference is almost here. Are you as excited as I am? We are going to have a wonderful conference
this year!
Remember, our
theme this year is:
conference
“To the World, you may just be One Person…………….
BUT
To One Person, You may just be the Whole World!!!!!”
I sincerely believe this theme speaks to the very heart of volunteers. I believe volunteers live everyday to make a
difference in someone’s life.
We still need items to go in our conference bags. If your hospital would like to contribute toward them, plan on 225 items. Items
do not have to be identical. We just want to make sure that everyone receives some special gifts. Let me know if you will contribute and what items you will be bringing.
Prize item for Bingo and Door Prizes: Each Auxiliary needs to bring two gifts of a minimum of $25 marketable value. Choose
something that you would love to win yourself! Clearly mark items with the donating auxiliary’s
Don’t forget to bring your Yearbook, Newsletters, Tray Favors, and Special Program entries with you to the conference.
Some of the events and speakers are as follows:
Play Bingo with a Plus.
Debbie Childers is our Keynote Speaker, a prolific writer and author of several books. She is funny, sincere and
a truly gifted motivational speaker.
“Leading Volunteers”, program presented by Walter “Jake” Jacobson of Creative Solutions.
Learn more about “Alzheimer’s Disease” with Nancy Dickson and Carmen Knox of Coosa Valley Medical Center
Senior Behavioral Health Center.
Learn “How to Have More Efficient and Effective Meetings” in a session by Walter “Jake” Jacobson.
Discover new “Safety and Awareness Tips” in a session with me and Louis Zook, Sylacauga Police Chief. This
session is very eye-opening and informative. You will walk away with heightened awareness, and become
more alert.
We will have a free Health Fair and Screening provided by Coosa Valley Medical Center.
Vendor Fair will be held on Monday from 3:00-5:30PM., followed by a Vendor Reception at 5:30-6:15PM.
Great Door Prizes…
Remember to thank all our vendors for coming to our conference.
We want them to continue
to return for us. Also, remember to thank the speakers for spending their time to inform and enlighten us.
Look for pictures of our fun memories from the fall conference in “The Communicator” December issue. Call me if you have any
questions or if I can be of assistance. My phone numbers are: home (256) 245-8585 or cell (256-404-6481 or by email at: [email protected].
I am really looking forward to seeing everyone in October.
Thanks sincerely, Debi Jacobson, ACHA Program Chairman
10
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
AROUND THE STATE District III
East Alabama Medical Center
The latest edition of the EAMC AUXILIAN, the volunteer newsletter for the East Alabama Medical Center Auxiliary was dedicated to the Memory of Dr. Albert Kappellman, Clois Shoffeitt, Maureen Callins and Kathryn “Kiki”
Lots of cus- Smith - four auxilians who passed away in the last few
tomers buying months.
The East Alabama Medical Center is being recogjewelry during
the July Sale of nized as a Top Performer in QUEST. Quest is comprised of
2011.
Mon- approximately 300 hospitals and only 120 of those will receive Top Performer status. Based upon performance status
tine
Webb,
in three quality areas —- Clinical Care, Mortality, and
Pink Lady, is
Cost/Efficiency, EAMC has improved its scores in the third
shown ringing
year as part of Quest. Because of this success, EAMC has
up the sales.
been selected to be one of the featured stories in a book that
Premier INC. publishes to salute the Top Performers. This
book will be released at a press event in Washington, D. C.
and then posted on the Premier website. This is a GREAT
Helen Pfeiffer, Shirley
opportunity for EAMC to share with the world the work we
Treace, Sue Thompson,
do every day to provide HIGH QUALITY COMPASMaria Griffit and Montine
SIONATE HEALTH CARE.
Webb all volunteered their
EAMC Auxiliary stressed that in most hospitals and
time to make our Jewelry
other organizations, a volunteer is many times the first and
Sale successful.
last person that the customers you serve sees in the facility.
So remember, in all that you do…..Give it your best! And
“do unto others as you would have them do unto you” PracThis summer our Auxtice the “Golden Rule” and always know that we want the
service we give to be:
iliary was able to make
SUPERIOR…..SUPER………...OUTSTANDING!!!!
a contribution of $40,000 to Coosa Valley Medical Center to
Remember to SMILE!!!!
be used as needed. We also donated another $6,000 to help
with the completion of the remodeling of the CVMC Nursing Welcome new volunteers: Jeanette Anderson, Billy Grabham, Kay Ingram, Anne Laband, John “Buck” Baxter,
home.
Maegan Hamner, Lavaughn Johnson, Wanda Richards,
For the first time we held a Summer Jewelry Sale in Judy Burdette, Anne Henderson, Patsy Jones and Lois
July. Prior to this we have only had them in October and Waller.
The officers for 2011-2012 will be:
March, but this summer one turned out to be very successful.
Presidents: Barbara & Gene Blankenship
Our share of the profits came to $5,012.
V.President in charge of Programs:
Three of our members, Montine
Ann & Larry Gore
V.President in charge of Hours: Charles Barall
Webb, Debi Jacobson and Iris Land attended the District III
V. President in charge of Orientation
Quarterly meeting in Wetumpka August 18. We enjoyed
& Membership:
some great hospitality with an excellent program and a deliJackie Cooper & Patty Burns
Recording Secretary: Barbara Ervin
cious lunch.
Corresponding Secretary: Dell Wilcox
Parliamentarian & Historian appointed by President
Iris Land, Corresponding Secretary
Coosa Valley Medical Center
Taken from EAMC Auxilian Editor: Jenny Roe
Southern Medical Dictionary
Since auxiliaries are at hospitals in the South, you might need to know these medical terms!!!
Artery…The study of paintings
Bacteria….Back door to cafeteria
Barium...What doctors do when patients die
Benign…..What you be, after you be eight
Caesarean Section…..a neighborhood in Rome
Cat Scan…Searching for kitty
Cauterize….Made eye contact with her
Coma…..a punctuation mark
Dilate…..To live long
Fibula……a small lie
Impotent…..Distinguished, well known
Labor Pain….Getting hurt at work
Medical
Staff…...a Doctor’s cane
Morbid….a higher offer
Nitrates…..Cheaper than day rates
Node….I
knew it
Outpatient….a person who done fainted
Pelvis….second cousin to Elvis
Post Operative….a letter carrier
Recovery Room……Place to do upholstery
Rectum…...darn near killed him
Secretion…...hiding something
Seizure…….a Roman emperor
Tablet…….a small table
Terminal
Illness....getting sick at the airport Tumor…..One plus one more
Urine…...Opposite of you’re out
11
The Communicator
AROUND THE STATE District IV
District IV Report
Our most recent Quarterly Meeting for District IV
Presidents on July 12th, was hosted by Thomas Hospital
Auxiliary in their Medical Center in Daphne, with 11 Auxiliaries represented.
Special guests from ACHA State Board were:
Chairman, Billie Simpson, Chairman-Elect, Alice Hinger
and Past Chairman, Sharon Farst.
We
were
reminded of our continuing emphasis on Growth & Change.
Lets all Change and Grow! So, with that being said, I am
excited and pleased to pass on Good News from District IV.
Southwest Alabama Medical Center Auxiliary in Thomasville, will continue their Volunteer activities at the Nursing
Home residents.
North Baldwin Med. Center Auxilians in Bay Minette, have regrouped and were represented at the July 12th
District IV meeting.
Infirmary Health System announced that Mobile
Infirmary, Infirmary West, Thomas Hospital in Fairhope
and North Baldwin in Bay Minette are the new system,
with a new “logo” for the 4 Auxiliaries as well.
Progress, which began December 2010, at
USAC&W, with construction and updating, is moving
along. Articles/pictures have appeared in local news.
The Gift Shop at Providence Hospital, reopened the
end of August, after remodeling – renovation was completed.
The summertime response by Teenage Volunteers
continues to grow as well. Through this program, scholarships are funded and awarded annually by our Auxiliaries.
Totals reported for 3 quarters:
Active
Members
- 2,663
Volunteer Hours - 93,610
2011 Football Season Countdown has been
reached – despite Hurricane “Irene” or Tropical
Storm “Lee”. NOW onward to our Annual Fall Conference Countdown, beginning
with The Communicator deadline of September 8th … 45 more days to go
and counting.
Volume 23 Issue 4
Providence Hospital Auxiliary
It has been a busy summer around Providence Hospital. The Teenage Volunteers arrived in June ready for work.
As usual they were a tremendous asset to the hospital, staff
and the volunteers they worked with. A total of 86 TAVS’ contributed 1,826 hours form June 6th -July 15th.
The 2010-2011 Hospital Lobby
Renovation Project that the Auxilians
have been waiting for is underway. The
Gift Shop renovation was completed in
just one week (fantastic). No additional
floor space was added but the rearrangement of the front wall and entrance actually created more
workable space. The Auxiliary’s 2011-2012 Hospital Project to
refurbish the waiting rooms on the 5th., 6th, 7th., 10th and
12th floors is in process. New planters at the front, rear and
emergency entrances are part of this project and are in place.
Recliners and more comfortable chairs have been temporally
put in the 5th floor waiting rooms and will be replaced with
permanent furniture in the near future. New furniture, flooring, wall coverings and flat screen TV’s are part of the project.
The last fundraiser utilizing
payroll deduction was Uniforms 2 U
2 in August which was a tremendous success. The first fundraiser
without the payroll deduction beneBeverly Mizell & Kay Weiss fit
will
be
Books-R-Fun in
September. This will give us an idea of the
success of future fundraisers and the ability of the auxiliary to give back to the hospital without the benefit of payroll
Kay Weiss & Dot Outerbridge
deduction.
The State Auxiliary Project is Alzheimer’s disease.
We are going to conduct a contest to choose a person who is a
24/7 caregiver of an Alzheimer’s patient. The winner will receive a “Caregivers Day Out” which will include special treatments for Him or Her. We would also pay for the Alzheimer
patients care for the day.
DISTRICT IV AUXILIARY PRESIDENTS…Please
be watching for a notice from me, setting out important information and reminders I have been asked to send you.
Kay Weiss, Dist. IV Chair
New Officers (left to right) Jane Everest, Dot Outerbridge, Linda Patterson, Beverly Mizell, Judith Ikner,
Wayne Peters, Sandy Cherry, Charles Waller
Who said that when you get a little older, you can’t
still go camping and enjoy the great outdoors????????????
Dot Outerbridge, Beverly
Mizell & Kay Weiss
The Hospital’s Patient Experience scores are up. Our volunteers play a
big role in this upswing. Their smiling
faces, efficiency, hard work and willingness to help patients and family members
are huge contributors. Thank you to all
“Volunteers” keep up the good work and remember a
SMILE is a huge tool that cost nothing but can mean so
much to the recipient.
S M I LE
12
Beverly Mizell, President
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
AROUND THE STATE District IV
USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital Auxiliary
At USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, fall has arrived, ushering out the heat and rainy weather from recent tropical storms.
Once our hospital grounds crew has cleaned up the debris they will be planting fall flowers (funded by the Auxiliary). We’ve welcomed
many guests recently such as the USA Jag Football Team and Constance Taylor, ACHA Gift Shop Chair.
The
Hospital Teenage Volunteer program celebrated the conclusion of its summer session in a most colorful way. Twenty teen volunteers and
volunteer services staff met at a local paint party studio to demonstrate their artistic talents and create nautical-themed works of art to be
displayed in the hospital to brighten the patient experience.
The teenage volunteer summer session was held June 1- July 22 with nearly 50 local high school students volunteering in various
program areas including Patient Transport Food Services, Labor and Delivery, Central Supply and Mother/Baby. These volunteers gave
more than 1,260 hours of service with an estimated value of nearly $23,000 (based on the Independent Sector 2010 rate for Alabama volunteer time).
Alzheimer’s disease: At USACWH, one of our Auxiliary’s project, is to lend support to local organizations that provide services
to AD patients and their families. Auxiliary Board corresponding secretary, Ena Rosenthal, collected nail polish and finger nail files from a local
nail salon to donate to a local organization that provides services to AD patients and their families.
The Auxiliary provided sno cone supplies for patients and families who attended a special Ski Clinic held by hospital Therapy
Services and other program staff in August.
Life Uniform Sale, Sept. 29 & 30
Masquerade Jewelry Sale, Oct. 20 & 21
Betty Caffey, USACWH Auxiliary President
Thomas Hospital Auxiliary
The Thomas Hospital Auxiliary hosted the District IV meeting on July 12 at Thomas Medical
Center in Daphne. Thirty-three representatives from 11 different hospital auxiliaries attended the
meeting. State Chair Billie Simpson discussed the importance of recruitment and retention. Other
ACHA state officers in attendance were Betty Caffey, project chair; Alice Hinger, vice-chair; Constance Taylor, gift shop chair; and Kay Weiss, District IV chair.
Pres. Ken Graves, Pres-Elec. Frances Hodge,
The Thomas Hospital Auxiliary is pleased to award nine VP Becky Neira & DVS Melita Wilkie
health career scholarships of $1,400 each, for a total of
$12,600. This year’s recipients are students pursuing degrees in the several medical areas. The
scholarship is funded by sales of donated used books at the Gift Shop and Thomas Medical Center Snack Shop and the Tree of Lights fundraiser. Auxilians Lorene Graves Barbara Davis and
Sharon Faust served on this committee.
Dottie Long was honored as Volunteer of the Quarter for July through September 2011. Dottie, a former school
teacher, began volunteering at Thomas Hospital after her husband of 48 years passed away in 2004. Dottie faithfully volunteers in the transportation department typically walking about four miles transporting mail and supplies throughout the
hospital. She enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and other family members. Dottie
said that what she most enjoys about volunteering at Thomas Hospital is feeling helpful and spending time with her fellow
volunteers.
Thomas Hospital is the only hospital in the region to be named one of the Top 100 Hospitals in the medium-size
category by Thomson Reuters. This annual study identifies the 100 U.S. hospitals that are setting the nation’s benchmarks
for high quality care. The award was given for overall hospital performance “on both how patients are cared for through
clinical measures and how the hospital performs as an efficient business,”. Conducted since 1993, the study found that the 100 Top Hospitals have significantly lower mortality rates and medical complications, impeccable patient safety records, high patient satisfaction scores
and low readmission rates for heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia. William McLaughlin, Thomas Hospital Administrator and
Executive Vice President of Infirmary Health, said he attributes these achievements to a team of “extremely dedicated people who constantly raise the bar, set their standards at the highest level and have a passion for excellence.”
Several Thomas Hospital Auxiliary members and World War II (WWII) Veterans were honored with a
flight to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Honor Flight South Alabama honors those who served
during WWII, providing a charter plane. Auxiliary members Mary Balch, Jerry Bethea, Ken Cramton, Jerry DeVuyst, Richard Gile and Nina Secrist were passengers on the flights which recognize the service and sacrifices of
America’s “Greatest Generation.”
Mary Balch & Kelly Powell
13
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
AROUND THE STATE District IV
USA Medical Center Auxiliary
The University of South Alabama Medical Center volunteers and auxilians are actively pursing
ways to get information to our hospital community and neighboring schools
regarding the State Project-Dementia and Alzheimer Disease.
June and July were quite busy with the summer teens participating in the volunteer program that was completed in late July. This summer, teen volunteer Isaac Irby
continued his family volunteerism at USAMC. His aunt, Shavonne Wells, now a nurse
presently Care Manager at the Medical Center, was a teen volunteer. DVS Claudnette
McGrew was very pleased. (Shown right are Isaac & his Aunt.)
Following the Summer Teen Program, came the Summer Scrubs Program. This
program is an intensive career exploration opportunity for rising 10th, 11th and 12th
grade students who want to explore careers in health care. The participants spent each
day at a different site interacting with physicians, clinical dieticians, nurses, physical and
respiratory therapists, clinical laboratory personnel and the staff in the bio-medical library.
President Taylor and auxilian Mary Q. Stevenson attended District IV July meeting at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. The meeting was, as usual, very fruitful
and the information given was reported at USAMC regular board meeting.
Note: The name of Dr. Johnston Haynes of USAMC
pictured with President Taylor was omitted in the
June Communicator’s article. He was the presenter of the plaque received for USAMC support
of Sickle Cell at their Annual Conference.
Summer Scrubs 2011 has arrived at USA Medical
Center!! Summer Scrubs is an intensive
career
th
th
,
11
and
exploration
opportunity
for
rising
10
th
12 grade students in Mobile and Baldwin counties who want to explore careers in healthcare.
Participants spend each day at a different
site, exploring a variety of healthcare careers.
USA Medical Center is offering students an opportunity to interact with physicians, clinical dieticians, nurses, physical and respiratory therapists, clinical laboratory personnel and the staff
in the bio-medical library.
Springhill Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
Wow! Usually the summer months are slow for the Auxiliary - but not this year! The TAVs came to help
the volunteers in June; what a help they were! Enthusiastic high school Summer Scrubs came to learn about
medical careers in July.
Three of us, Gerri Creighton, Eunice Evans, and Susan Maddox, went to the District 4 Meeting in
Daphne, AL on July 12th. We enjoyed learning new ideas on recruiting new members.
The Auxiliary has been busy contributing to our community by making a $200 donation to Camp Wheezy, donating $600 to
the Senior Residence for two bracelets for Alzheimers’ and $100
donation to the Heart Walk, in which Karen Langham, Linda Reynolds, and Clara Damp will participate on 9/24/11. Our annual
Art Teacher’s Shopping Spree on 9/7/11 is always a success and
this year was no different. Our fundraisers for the fall are as follows: Jewelry Sale-9/22-23, Uniform Sale-10/11-12, and Book Sale
– 11/16 –17.
Susan Maddox presents $200 to
Steve Goren for “Camp Wheezy”
Children’s Asthma Camp
Our September General Meeting
will be 9/19/11 with Martha Allegri
speaking on the ACHA state project,
Alzheimer’s Disease.
Susan Maddox, Co-President
SMH Auxiliary
14
Peggy Hagar presents $600 to Jim
Agler to purchase tracker bracelets for Alzheimer patients.
Eunice Evans (left) and Clara Damp
present a check to Jim Agler for
$300 to purchase tracker bracelets.
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
Name
Title
Facility
Address
City
Zip
Phone
Email
Billie
Chairman
Marshall Med.
375 Beech Creek Rd
Guntersville
35976 256-486-3389
[email protected]
Alice Hinger V. Chair
Thomas Hosp.
P.O. Box 7175
Spanish Fort
36577 251-626-9697
[email protected]
Sharon
Farst
Past Chair
Whitfield Memorial Hosp..
1607 Indian Hill Rd
Demopolis
36732 334-289-8518
[email protected]
Tom
Dist. I Ch.
Decatur Gen.
908 Logwood Rd SW
Hartselle
35640 256-773-5300
[email protected]
Owens Cross- 35763 256-539-7296
roads
[email protected]
Simpson
Guyton
Charles
Purple
Dist I V-Ch Huntsville Hosp 144 Ada Drive SE
Ann Willard Dist II Ch
Eunice
DCH Regional
1737 Ridgemont Dr
Tuscaloosa
35404 205-553-3974
[email protected]
Dist II VCh Shelby Baptist
1422 Secretariat Dr
Helena
35080 205-664-2490
[email protected]
215 Newmont Dr
Eufaula
36027 334-616-0452
[email protected]
104 Commander Cove Lineville
36266 256-396-2446
[email protected]
4913 Janice Dr
Mobile
36618 251-460-2898
[email protected]
Stagner
Julie Hill
Dist III Ch
Med. Ctr.
Barbour
Beverly
Dt III V-Ch Wedowee Hosp
Commander
Kay Weiss
Dt IV Ch
Elinor Ott
Dt IV V-Ch SW Alabama
Medical Center
170 Watermelon Rd
Grove Hill
36451 334-636-2091
[email protected]
Don &
Co-Editors
Newsletter
762 Cambridge Lane
Tuscaloosa
35406 205-462-3374
[email protected]
Bryan Whitfield 407 South Strawberry
Memorial Hosp. Avenue
Demopolis
36732 334-289-2957
[email protected]
Sarajane
Pugh
Betty Baxley Historian/
Yearbook
Providence Hos
DCH Regional
Constance
Taylor
Gift Shop
Chair
USA Medical
Center
2155 N Downing St
Mobile
36617 251-456-5951
[email protected]
Debi
Program
Chair
Coosa Valley
Medical Ctr
302 Highland Circle
Sylacauga
35150 256-245-8585
[email protected]
Jacobson
Betty Caffey Project Ch
USA Children’s 1904 Eoline St
Mobile
36617 251-456-7967
[email protected]
Jamie
Weeks
SE AL Med Ctr
P. O. Drawer 6987
Dothan
36302 334-793-8122
[email protected]
AlaHa
500 North East Blvd.
Montgomery
36117 334-272-8781
800-489-2542
[email protected]
DVS
Liaison
ACHA
Teresa
Stubblefield Liaison
2011 - Experience Growth
In ACHA - In Your Auxiliary - & Personal Growth
15
The Communicator
Volume 23 Issue 4
PRSRT STD
Don & Sarajane Pugh, Editors
U.S. POSTAGE
The Communicator, ACHA
PAID
762 Cambridge Lane
TUSCALOOSA, AL
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
PERMIT NO. 244
December 8, 2011
Deadline for next Communicator
ACHA Fall Conference
October 23-26
SDVSHO Conference - April 22-24, 2012
Birmingham, AL
Myrtle Beach, SC
“Southeastern Directors of Volunteer Services in Healthcare Organizations”
16