Volunteering

History
Contact Information

History
Volunteers have been a vital part of the health care team at Mercy Hospital Cadillac since 1932 and at that time it consisted of 80 members. In 1940 the group was divided into two units — the "Hospital Guild and the Gray Ladies," each with a specific responsibility. These responsibilities included sewing projects such as hemming dishtowels, diapers, towels for surgical trays, mending hospital masks, and making infant gowns and shirts. They also supplied books and oil reading lamps to the patients. However, one early member recalls, "the sisters of Mercy always checked over the reading materials, as they would never allow romance or love stories to be brought into the hospital. It was said the sisters believed these types of reading materials were bad for our souls."

Contributions of money were always used, in those days, to help the nursery, children's ward, and our wounded countrymen and families. Some of these early fundraising projects would include dancing, bingo, card parties, style shows, home tours, and an annual cocktail party.

The first mention of uniting these two groups into one was in June of 1978. They came to an agreement to join as one with the same goal - to help the hospital and its patients. This was the beginning of the Hospital Auxiliary.

During the first year as an Auxiliary, members staffed the Peppermint Shop, Information Desk, and provided escort and other services.

Currently, services include Lifeline, Peppermint Shop, Book Cart, Surgical Information Desk, Escort Services, Customer Access Desk, Emergency Hospitality, Spiritual Care, First Floor Information, and PATT. Other services provided include Baby Ministry, Fundraising, Legislation, Membership and Recruitment, Newsletter, Popcorn, Special Projects, and a Telephone Committee.

Available records indicate the auxiliary members have donated approximately 326,393 hours of service. Through the auxiliary's fundraising efforts beginning in 1979, they have contributed over $500,000 for equipment purchases including the Helicopter Pad, computerized EKG machine, four crash carts (fully loaded), Holter/Scanner Analysis System, Lithotripter, fluoroscope chair, a defribillator, a Memorial Garden, and funds towards the Campaign for Mercy Cadillac.

Contact Information
Men and women of all ages from all backgrounds respond to the challenges facing health care providers as Mercy Hospital Volunteers. Meaningful opportunities await individuals interested in being a part of an active, well-structured group. The role of the volunteer has become more important than ever in creating the supportive, personal environment needed for healing can take place. At Mercy Hospital Cadillac, volunteers are an integral part of our health care team.

If you would like to be a volunteer, call (231) 876-7328.

If you have any unresolved concerns about patient care and safety at Mercy Hospital Cadillac, please contact our Patient Relations Office at (231) 876-7473.

We welcome your comments and suggestions about this Web site.