Saint Anthony honors its volunteers

Volunteers are credited with much of the day-to-day and overall successes realized by Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Their efforts will be remembered and highlighted during National Volunteer Week April 18 to 24.

The hospital has 208 volunteers in its Auxiliary, along with numerous other health professionals, who offer services at St. Clare Health Clinic and other programs.

“Our volunteers’ efforts are invaluable,’’ hospital President David Ruskowski said. “The Auxiliary members have raised more than $2 million, through various fund-raisers conducted throughout the year and through the gift shop, since Saint Anthony opened 36 years ago.’’
They not only raise money, they also save the hospital money.
“Our volunteers, who range in age from young adults to senior citizens, donated 54,000 hours to the hospital in 2009; volunteer hours free up financing to hire 15 to 20 full-time-equivalent staff members,’’ Ruskowski said.

Some of those duties include providing wheelchair services and assisting in various hospital departments.

Auxiliary President Doris Paluszak, who has been with the organization for 10 years, said she decided to offer her services after seeing the excellent care offered to her mother at the Burrell Cancer Institute and Breast Care Center at Saint Anthony. “They were very good to her; she was treated as a person, not just a number, as she was at the previous hospital that treated her.’’