RAPID CITY, S.D. (Dec. 6, 2019) – Monument Health Rapid City Hospital’s Volunteer Auxiliary has reached the $4 million milestone in funds donated to the hospital. The auxiliary is also celebrating 45 years of service. The Volunteer Services Department, which works with over 300 volunteers, hosted a celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Volunteers were encouraged to bring a friend who might be interested in volunteering.
The auxiliary has been raising funds since 1973, but its support of community hospitals through service goes back even longer. Funds are earned through the hospital gift shop and through several sales sponsored throughout the year. Volunteers include in-service adults, a Licensed Nurse Corps, medical explorers and VolunTeens. They hold positions at the gift shop, main lobby front desk and other reception desks. They spend time one-on-one with willing patients to offer a friendly ear, write life stories, give hand massages or offer comfort distractions such as puzzles or books.
“Our volunteers start with heart and add a special touch to the patient experience at Rapid City Hospital,” said Konnie Sorensen, manager of Volunteer Services. “We are thankful for the community members who have chosen to spend time supporting others in their time of need.”
About Monument Health
Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. In January 2020, Monument Health will be renamed Monument Health, and it will become a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The system offers care in 33 medical specialties and serves 20 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 4,500 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is comprised of 5 hospitals, 8 specialty and surgical centers and more than 40 medical clinics and health care service centers.
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CONTACT:
Dan Daly
Communications Specialist
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Monument Health
605-755-9178
ddaly@monument.health