Volunteering
Frederick Health Auxiliary
On September 11, 1952, the Women’s Auxiliary of Frederick Health
Hospital was founded. Service to the hospital began immediately with the
first volunteers helping out in the Record Room and quickly expanding
to other departments. By 1955, the Frederick Health Auxiliary was the
largest women’s organization in Frederick County. Candy Stripers,
now known as Junior Volunteers, joined the organization’s ranks
in 1967. When men joined the group in the early 1970s, and teenage boys
began to volunteer in 1971, the name was officially changed to the Frederick
Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. It is now known as the Frederick Health Auxillary.
Originally founded to "serve on committees, support fund raising activities
and promote good will,” the Auxiliary’s first fundraiser was
the Snow Ball held on December 22, 1952. The event raised $1,131.50, which
was used to air-condition the operating room. Since then, the Auxiliary
has donated more than $6 million to the hospital for equipment and improvements,
and has contributed millions of hours of service to the Frederick community.
Today the Auxiliary is composed of men and women who continue the tradition
of service and stewardship. Members of the auxiliary provide hundreds
of thousands of hours of their time to guide our visitors, transport our
patients, and support the family members of those who are ill, injured,
or on the mend.
Value of Volunteering
Volunteers may still be in high school or college. They may be men or women
retired after a long career. They may be parents who want to stay at home
with their children but still keep up with the career world. They may
need to fill the void left in their lives after the loss of a loved one.
Each month, hundreds of caring individuals come to Frederick Health Hospital
to volunteer. They assist patients who are arriving at, and departing
from the hospital, greet and direct visitors, staff the Gift Shop or the
Select Seconds Thrift Shop, deliver flowers and reading material, and
so much more. And while it may appear they are helping others by volunteering,
they are also helping themselves.
Research shows that volunteering improves your health in many ways -- emotionally,
and even physically. Volunteering also improves self-esteem, helps develop
empathy for the problems of others, affirms personal values, and aids
in personal development. Volunteering helps you feel connected to your
community, and is a great opportunity to meet new people.
Executive Board Members
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President: Pat Ray
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President Elect: Harriet Brown
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1st VP: Joe Collins
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2nd VP: Jan Lounsbury
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Treasurer: Julane Anderson
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Corresponding Secretary and Parliamentarian: Donna Tisdale
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Recording Secretary: Susie Hill
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Financial Secretary: Sharen Neale
Who Can Volunteer?
Frederick Health Hospital has many and varied opportunities for people
of all ages and backgrounds. We provide high quality, cost-effective health
services to develop healthy communities in the Frederick area.
Training
We prepare you for your volunteer assignment through:
- Thorough Orientation and Training
- Clear-Cut Position Description
- On-going Feedback
- Continued Support and Reinforcement
- On-going Recognition
- Good Communication
Join Us!
If you'd like to help us carry out our mission,
call us at 240-566-3567 or email us at
vol@fmh.org. We'd love to discuss your skills and interests and match them with a need.