The Auxiliary of Dearborn County Hospital will celebrate National Volunteer Week from April 27 through May 3.  This year’s celebration will have extra significance, as it is also the Auxiliary’s 50^th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1958, the Auxiliary has provided assistance to the hospital through both hours of volunteer service and financial contributions.  To date, the Auxiliary has contributed almost $1.6 million to the hospital for equipment purchases and other projects.

Most recently, the Auxiliary purchased 42 flat screen televisions for the patient rooms in the new DCH Patient Tower.  In addition, it has acquired two very significant items for the hospital’s expansion and renovation project.  The Auxiliary contributed $25,000 for new flagpoles and signage that will grace the new main entrance to Dearborn County Hospital.  It also donated $147,000 for the purchase of a new mammography unit that will be installed this May in the hospital’s expanded Imaging/Radiology Department.

Also of note, the Auxiliary provided the financial support for this year’s Smoking Cessation classes that are held free of charge at the hospital.

The Auxiliary’s largest donation to Dearborn County Hospital occurred in 2001, when it contributed $250,000 for the purchase of the General Electric Millennium VG Hawkeye Functional Anatomic Mapping (FAM) unit for its PET/CT scanner. 

“Dearborn County Hospital is extremely fortunate to have such an outstanding Auxiliary,” stated Peter V. Resnick, DCH Executive Director.  “Our volunteers do a tremendous job in serving the hospital and its patients and guests.

“Each year they contribute tens of thousands of volunteer service hours in addition to their financial contributions,” he continued.  “Their dedication to the hospital and its mission is truly priceless.”

Auxilians serve the hospital by volunteering in the following areas: Gift Shop, Health Information Management, Hospice, Information Desk, Lifeline, Outpatient Services, Rehabilitation Services, Sewing Room, Snack Bar, Subacute Unit and Community Relations and as Messengers.

The organization derives funds primarily through profits from the DCH Auxiliary Snack Bar and Gift Shop, in addition to newspaper sales, membership dues, memorials and donations. 

“Our Auxilians are very dedicated to serving the hospital.  They understand the importance of DCH in the community and take pride in volunteering their time for such a worthwhile endeavor,” explained Betty Fulton, DCH Auxiliary President.  “As volunteers, we realize that by assisting the hospital, we are helping to make Dearborn County a better place for everyone.”

Dearborn County Hospital recognizes its volunteers numerous times throughout the year, including during National Volunteer Week, at an annual summer picnic and at a formal recognition banquet in October.

For more information on the DCH Auxiliary, please call Mrs. Fulton at (812) 537-8217 or (800) 676-5572, ext. 8217.