BMH Auxiliary Donates $90,000 to Palliative Care Program

Auxiliary President Kay Huemme presented a check for $90,000 to Butler Health System in support of the Palliative Care Program at the Auxiliary’s annual meeting held in December. Joining BHS President & CEO Ken DeFurio in accepting the gift were Dr. Kathy Selvaggi and Lisa Doverspike of BHS’ Palliative Care program. Dr. Selvaggi and Ms. Doverspike provided the BMH Auxiliary members with an overview of the program and answered their questions during a brief presentation.

The funds were raised by the Auxiliary over the past year in a variety of ways, including the proceeds from the hospital gift shop and a variety of unique sales open to hospital employees and the community.

“The support of these volunteers is enormous,” says DeFurio, “The gift of their time is priceless. Equipment and programs funded by our Auxiliary enhances patient care. Care is better in Butler County and the region because of them.”

The BMH Auxiliary has over 230 women and men who come from communities throughout Butler County. A separate program for those in high school, the

Candy Stripers, has more than 40 active members. Auxilians and Candy Stripers volunteer in many areas throughout the hospital, including at the front information desk, the gift shop, radiology, the hospital Foundation, public relations, finance, medical records, in the Transitional Care Facility, the emergency department, and the outpatient surgery family waiting area.

Those interested in joining the Auxiliary can call 724-284-4112. Those interested in the Candy Striper program can call 724-284-4578.