The Hospital Auxiliaries of Kansas was organized on Nov. 9, 1951, with 11 member auxiliaries. At the suggestion of Kansas Hospital Association Board Chairman Bruce Dickson, it was agreed that HAK would meet in November 1952 in conjunction with the KHA Annual Convention. Since that time, HAK member auxiliaries have met concurrently with the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show. Today, the membership is composed of 48 Kansas hospital auxiliaries, as well as 115 individual associate members who are hospital CEOs, directors of volunteer services, local auxiliary members and other auxiliary friends.
HAK member auxiliaries have 6,515 volunteers. Every year, they contribute over 500,000 hours and $1.1 million to Kansas hospitals, as well as more than $260,000 for health career scholarships.
The purpose of the HAK state organization is to: act as a coordinating body for its member auxiliaries, assist in the organization of hospital auxiliaries, develop leadership, promote mutual benefits and objectives of member auxiliaries and work with KHA in the promotion of better health care. HAK also provides a large grassroots network of local auxiliary members to assist KHA.
HAK offers educational opportunities to members – at each of six annual spring district meetings and at the bi-annual convention. A program on legislative issues is always included, along with the opportunity for the exchange of ideas between auxiliaries. Information is also shared through a quarterly newsletter sent to all auxiliary presidents and all associate members.
For information about the Hospital Auxiliaries of Kansas, contact Peggy Ogle, 2021 HAK president, at (620) 288-0918, or Amy Fluke, KHA Liaison, at (785) 233-7436.