A team dedicated to rendering service

Hospitals are filled with helpers who contribute to the care given within those walls. At IU Health Bloomington, one special group can be identified by their red jackets.

This team of volunteers supports team members, patients and visitors by escorting people to their destinations, answering questions, greeting guests, bringing around the compassion cart and more. They’re also part of the Bloomington Hospital Auxiliary, which is dedicated to taking care of the facility.

“The Auxiliary is a self-supported, standalone entity,” says Cathy Walker, Auxiliary secretary. “We have an executive committee of nine who oversee it, but all volunteers are part of the group.”

“We raise money and have an investment so when we find a substantial need, we can support it,” says Don Skirvin, Auxiliary treasurer, who has volunteered at the hospital for six years. All proceeds from the hospital gift shop go to the Auxiliary to help support their efforts.

The Bloomington Chapel, Cardiac Cath Lab and Hospice House are just a few teams that have benefitted from Auxiliary donations over the years. The group’s latest donation, and one of their largest expenses, was $500,000 for new patient repositioner tools.

“It’s a blessing that we can share and help others,” says Steve Hedback, Auxiliary president, who’s been an IU Health Bloomington volunteer for more than 17 years.

“When somebody asks for a donation or for us to contribute, we look at what it’s going to do for the patients and care teams,” says Walker, who’s volunteered for about seven years. “This repositioner tool helps both.”

All three of these committee members volunteer at the hospital regularly. They also all encourage others to donate their time and support the valuable services this team provides.

“Just seeing a friendly face can mean a lot when a patient or visitor comes in the door and they’re already a little anxious,” says Walker. “You can see them relax a little bit and start to think that it’s not so bad.”

If you’re interested in helping others through volunteering at IU Health Bloomington, please call 812.918.3145.