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Auxiliary
Celebrate Volunteers
April 9 - 15America was built on the spirit of volunteerism. Without the efforts of millions of volunteers who give their time to help others in their communities, our country would be a different place said Robert K. Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation. Goodwin noted that volunteering community service is everyone's responsibility and each of us can make a difference. "Saying "I must do something' will always solve more problems than simply saying 'something must be done,'" he added.
Southwest Memorial Hospital will join communities across the country to recognize the contributions of its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 9 - 15. President Richard Nixon established National Volunteer Week in 1974 as an annual celebration of volunteerism. Every succeeding President has signed a proclamation supporting the week and promoting volunteer efforts.
A visitor to Southwest Memorial Hospital will find friendly smiles and a helping hand from more than 40 volunteer members of the hospital's auxiliary, those special people who volunteer their time to help make life better for others.
Since 1958, the SWMH Auxiliary has played a vital role in the day-to-day operation of the hospital. Auxiliary members contribute by transporting patients, running errands for patients, delivering flowers and cards, working in the gift shop, providing clerical backup, making appointments for special hospital sponsored health screenings, delivering reading material to patients, serving beverages and a myriad of other duties. In addition to those duties performed in the hospital, many Auxiliary members work at home creating beautiful handmade articles which are donated to be sold in the Auxiliary Gift Shop located in the hospital lobby.
All of this is done in a spirit of caring and the willingness to give of their time so that others may benefit. It is often difficult to determine who experiences the most satisfaction in this service - the hospital staff, the patients or the Auxiliary members themselves.
In October of 1999 SWMH Auxiliary members were presented service awards to members of the organization for a total of 13,807 hours of cumulative service for the past year.
Throughout the year there are numerous groups and individuals who volunteer to complete special projects for the hospital. We welcome community participation in the hospital at any level of commitment an individual can make. Volunteering is a winning opportunity. It is beneficial to individuals, to families, and to businesses. But the greatest benefits are to the communities where we live and work.
Volunteering is a "way of life" for the healthcare industry. Perhaps one of the least recognized volunteer efforts is that of the hospital board member. Countless hours are volunteered to the business of governing the hospital.
Recent surveys underscore the importance of citizen involvement. A 1999 Independent Sector survey found that more than 109 million adults now volunteer, contributing some 20 billion hours worth an estimated $225 billion. Who volunteers? The young, the old, and all ages in between. Surveys show that women volunteer more than men (62% vs. 49%), however men who volunteered gave more time than women (3.6 hours vs. 3.4 hours). Seniors are volunteering in greater numbers, as are members of minority groups. More than eight out of 10 people (86) said they volunteered because they felt compassion for those in need. Nearly three-fourths of the respondents (72%) volunteered because they had an interest in the activity or work, and 70 percent volunteered to gain a new perspective on things.
Corporate America is placing a greater value on employee volunteer programs as a resource for achieving strategic business goals. Eighty-one percent of companies surveyed by the Points of Light Foundation in 1999 connect volunteering to their overall business strategies, compared to only 31 percent who did so in 1992. Respondents to the survey unanimously agreed that corporate volunteering helps create healthier communities and improved a company's public image.
Southwest Memorial Hospital would like to say a special thank you to the many volunteers here in the communities of the area who make a difference very day in our communities and in the lives of many of our neighbors. Volunteers make a difference in our communities. They make our country a better place. We urge those of you who are not yet part of this special group to join. There are volunteer opportunities for everyone, whether you want to live your time every week, once a month, or once a year. Volunteer with your family, or with colleagues where you work.
If you are interested in sharing your time as a hospital auxiliary volunteer, please call 565-6666 for information.
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1311 N. Mildred Rd. • Cortez, Co, 81321
Main Hospital: 970-565-6666 • Emergency Room: 970-564-2025
