What Is Hospital Volunteers of Kansas (HVK)?

Hospital Volunteers of Kansas (HVK) is a statewide organization that supports hospital volunteer programs across Kansas. Founded in 1951, HVK brings together volunteer organizations, hospital leaders, and community members to strengthen healthcare through service, leadership development, and collaboration.

Today, HVK represents:

• More than 35 Kansas hospital volunteer organizations

• Nearly 200 associate members

• Thousands of volunteers who give their time, talent, and resources to improve healthcare in their communities

HVK works closely with the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) to promote quality care, leadership, and volunteer engagement statewide.

What Is the Gold Award of Excellence?

The Gold Award of Excellence is HVK’s highest honor.
It is awarded annually to volunteer organizations that meet 15 specific requirements designed to reflect a strong, active, and well-rounded volunteer program.

This award must be earned every year, it is not automatic or based on past recognition.

The Requirements

To qualify for the Gold Award of Excellence, volunteer programs must demonstrate excellence in areas such as:

• Active volunteer recruitment and engagement

• Strong leadership and organizational structure

• Fundraising efforts that support hospital services

• Promotion of volunteerism and National Volunteer Week

• Support of health career scholarships

• Ongoing education, communication, and reporting

• Meaningful contributions to the hospital and community

Meeting all requirements each year reflects consistency, accountability, and impact.

How the MHS Volunteer Corps Meets the Standard

Each year, the Memorial Health System Volunteer Corps fulfills all Gold Award requirements through meaningful service and leadership, including:

• Hosting successful fundraisers such as Purse-A-Palooza, Scrub Hub, SUNdae FUNdraiser, and Collective Goods lobby sales

• Supporting health career scholarships

• Recruiting and welcoming new volunteers

• Promoting National Volunteer Week

• Providing hands-on support throughout Memorial Health System facilities

• Maintaining strong leadership through an active Volunteer Board

This sustained commitment is what has earned the Volunteer Corps Gold status every year for more than three decades.

What This Achievement Means

Earning the Gold Award of Excellence for 31 consecutive years is more than an honor.  It reflects:

• Reliability and consistency

• Community trust

• A culture of service

• Volunteers who show up year after year with heart and purpose

Every volunteer plays a role in this achievement.

A Tradition of Service and Pride

The Memorial Health System Volunteer Corps is proud to be part of a statewide network of volunteers dedicated to improving healthcare in Kansas. Our 31-year Gold Award streak represents generations of volunteers who chose to give back and continue to do so today.