The Hospital Volunteers of Kansas (as of September 2021), formerly known as 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, HVK member auxiliaries have met concurrently with the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show. Today, the membership is comprised of 48 Kansas hospital auxiliaries/volunteer organizations, as well as 115 individual associate members who are hospital CEOs, directors of volunteer services, local auxiliary members along with other auxiliary friends.
HVK member auxiliaries have 6,515 volunteers. Every year, they contribute more than 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 HVK state organization is to:
HVK also provides a grassroots network of local auxiliary/volunteer members to assist KHA as well as 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 also is shared through a quarterly newsletter sent to all auxiliary presidents and all associate members.
For information about the Hospital Auxiliaries of Kansas, contact Sally Emerson, 2022 HVK President at (785) 204-1921; Peggy Ogle, 2021 HAK president, at (620) 288-0918; or Amy Fluke, KHA Liaison, at (785) 233-7436.