The Van Diest Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary was organized in fall of 1972 with the goal of spreading goodwill and good health. There were 21 charter members involved in the establishment of the organization. The membership soon grew to 500, but today is closer to 250.
The goals of the auxiliary include rendering service to and advancing the welfare of Van Diest Medical Center. Also, the auxiliary assists the hospital by promoting the health and welfare of the community. Some of the ways they do this include the following:
Gift Shop - The Auxiliary Gift Shop, opened in 1973, operates on a totally volunteer basis. Over 3,000 hours are logged each year by auxiliary members who work five days a week. The gift shop carries a nice line of gift items and cards.
Scholarships - Begun in 1977, the Auxiliary Scholarship Fund has provided educational assistance to area students pursuing careers in health-related fields. Three scholarships of $1,000 per person are currently awarded annually. For more information about scholarships contact Lorraine Habben at 515-832-1357. Click here to download the scholarship application.
Equipment Purchases - One of the main reasons the auxiliary exists is to provide the hospital with things that department budgets might not otherwise allow. Over the years, the auxiliary has donated thousands of dollars to the hospital for such things as communication boards in patient rooms, equipment for the physical therapy department, wound care mattresses and other education and patient care items. To facilitate the purchase of hospital equipment and to support its other projects, the auxiliary raises money through fundraisers, gift shop profits, membership dues, and donations.