By Haley Jones, Director of Development and Marketing
Spring is a busy time for Hospital Volunteers of Kansas (HVK). Volunteers across the state come together not only to take care of business but also to recognize their accomplishments from the previous year. Memorial Health System (MHS) Volunteer Corps was a proud host for the District 3 Meeting held on April 9.
Shirley Van Loenen, HVK President, called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. The first items on the agenda were the Pledge of Allegiance and the Auxiliary Prayer. Following that, Angie Johnson, MHS Chief Nursing Officer, gave a warm welcome to everyone in attendance; thanking them for their compassion and dedication to patients and employees here and in the hospitals they serve in their own communities. No truer words could be spoken; healthcare volunteers make a huge difference in the lives they touch. MHS is grateful to have such wonderful volunteers who offer their support every day.
MHS invited State Representative, Scott Hill, to speak. He shared his ideas and wisdom with the group; touching on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He also provided an informative update on current legislation, which included some good news on healthcare bills, social security, and tax relief that would be coming soon for the citizens in the state of Kansas.
Samantha Geissinger, Art Council of Dickinson County Director, was another speaker invited to the meeting. She spoke of the most current projects that the art council worked on, such as the Cowboy Boots that decorate the town. Samantha also shared the different ways community members could get involved in the art council.
Volunteer Board Presidents spoke of “all the things” that they were doing at their hospitals. Cramer shared that the MHS Volunteers had some exciting events coming up, such as the Purses for a Purpose fundraiser. She also talked about the scholarships that they were about to give to two high school students and the Gifting Time event, in which they gave a total of $8,871.38 in gifts to several MHS departments.
The Presentation of Service Awards recognized the many accomplishments of the volunteers in District 3. MHS Volunteers received their certificate for the Gold Award of Excellence for 2023. The first time they received this award was in 1993; making it the 30th time to achieve this level of recognition. They have received the gold award every year since they have been in service to MHS, which certainly tells the story of just how amazing they are!
Jenny Stuck, MHS Volunteer Manager, is excited to talk with anyone who may be interested in volunteering at Memorial Health System. If you want to join the MHS Volunteer Corps, or just want more information, please call Jenny at 785-263-6692 or email her at jstuck@mhsks.org