Auxiliary President Kay Huemme presented a check for $90,000 to Butler
Health System in support of the Palliative Care Program at the Auxiliary’s
annual meeting held in December. Joining BHS President & CEO Ken DeFurio
in accepting the gift were Dr. Kathy Selvaggi and Lisa Doverspike of BHS’
Palliative Care program. Dr. Selvaggi and Ms. Doverspike provided the
BMH Auxiliary members with an overview of the program and answered their
questions during a brief presentation.
The funds were raised by the Auxiliary over the past year in a variety
of ways, including the proceeds from the hospital gift shop and a variety
of unique sales open to hospital employees and the community.
“The support of these volunteers is enormous,” says DeFurio,
“The gift of their time is priceless. Equipment and programs funded
by our Auxiliary enhances patient care. Care is better in Butler County
and the region because of them.”
The BMH Auxiliary has over 230 women and men who come from communities
throughout Butler County. A separate program for those in high school, the
Candy Stripers, has more than 40 active members. Auxilians and Candy Stripers
volunteer in many areas throughout the hospital, including at the front
information desk, the gift shop, radiology, the hospital Foundation, public
relations, finance, medical records, in the Transitional Care Facility,
the emergency department, and the outpatient surgery family waiting area.
Those interested in joining the Auxiliary can call 724-284-4112. Those
interested in the Candy Striper program can call 724-284-4578.