Gila Regional Medical Center relies on its GRMC Auxiliary members to perform many duties in the hospital, from raising funds for equipment to giving information to visitors to taking family members to see their hospitalized relatives to delivering lunch to staff members to... You name it, they've probably served the hospital in that capacity. Marilyn McCracken, GRMC Auxiliary president, answered some general questions that interested people have asked. She noted they continually seek volunteers.
1. What GRMC Auxiliary volunteers do.
Minimal involvement requires you to be at the hospital one shift (3 or 4 hours) per week. You are likely to provide visitors with information; escort visitors and give directions; help move patients' clothing from pre-to post-operation rooms; or provide lunches to Cancer Center patients. You might also sell items in our gift shop or help administrators with simple tasks. You interact with patients' families, staffs, and the general public. You are an important part of public relations for the hospital, and in particular, you are in charge of "simple acts of kindness."
Maximum involvement means that you bring your personal and work-related skills to the table. Volunteers who have organizational skills, are computer savvy, or who enjoy the challenges of managing a gift shop contribute by being in leadership positions. They may decide to become an Area Coordinator, a Committee head, or a member or officer of the Auxiliary's Board. A person might start getting into things by working on a single project related to an event, fund-raising, scholarships, or hospital equipment purchases; then, move on to Board work.
2. Why (you should) Volunteer.
Volunteering exercises your mind, body, and spirit. You are doing your part to help our hospital and your community. Our current volunteers are retired from all walks of life: teachers, social workers; police; artists, craft/sewers; nurses; college administrators; office workers, etc. Some are newcomers to the community; some know everyone who comes in the door. What they have in common is that they take pleasure in helping others.
3. How to volunteer.
Applications are available 8am to 4 pm, at the Information Desk at the front lobby of the hospital. Or to be mailed information and an application, call 575-574-8888
4. What benefits do volunteers receive?
Auxiliary members receive a free lunch, available at the hospital's Courtyard Cafe, before or after their volunteer shift. Also, reduced membership rates are available for the Billy Casper Wellness Center (part of the GRMC campus.)
5. What requirements exist to be a member of the Auxiliary?
Applicants must comply with requests and background checks that are required of all hospital employees. Vaccination and TB testing may be required.
6. Why Auxiliary members remain in the Auxiliary.
"I joined the Auxiliary because I have a strong memory of myself as a teenager visiting my mother in the hospital," McCracken said. " A soft-spoken, smiling pink lady was in the room. She made everything OK. I stored away a desire to be like that lady.
Now, I am motivated by the knowledge that a hospital is a unique microcosm of our larger society. It is an interesting environment, full of intensely human interactions. And there are always problems to be solved."
Other Auxiliary members have their own stories about becoming involved. But all of our 34 active members stay involved for a very simple reason: it is a satisfying experience. The people we meet, the friends we make, the routines we establish ...have become part of who we are.