Freeman Auxiliary Garners Top Honors

JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System celebrates the accomplishments of Freeman Auxiliary, which garnered two awards from Missouri Hospital Association. The awards were presented at the Missouri Hospital Association’s 93rd Annual Convention & Trade Show in Osage Beach, Mo.

Chris Mitchell, Auxiliary member and volunteer at Freeman Health System, was named 2015 Auxilian of the Year by the Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliaries. At the age of 36, Mitchell suffered a stroke that left him unable to walk. During his recovery, he realized he could give back to Freeman by volunteering his time. He began his volunteer service at the information desk, but moved to the reception window of Freeman Intensive Care.

“I’ve been able to serve others and give a little of myself,” said Mitchell. “One thing I have in common with patients is I understand what it’s like to be in a hospital bed, not knowing what the next day will bring.”

Additionally, the Student Volunteer Futures Program earned the Award for Excellence from the Midwest Association for Healthcare Volunteer Resource Professionals. An eight-week summer educational program for high school and college students interested in careers in healthcare, the program gives participants behind-the-scenes experience in a hospital setting. After orientation, students are assigned to a unit and work four-hour shifts under the supervision of a nurse or technician. 

“Students learn working in a hospital isn’t glamorous, like on television,” said Linda McIntosh, Freeman Program Manager of Volunteer Services. “The students assist staff and work directly with patients. They learn it takes compassion and a caring heart to work in a hospital.”

Program participants wear scrubs like hospital team members and assist with assigned tasks. They attend lunch-and-learns and work with patients, providing magazines, snacks and linens as needed.

Joplin High School students can receive one-half credit toward graduation if they complete 80 hours as a Freeman Student Volunteer. The program also offers participants the opportunity to earn a $500 scholarship – 14 were awarded in 2015.

Freeman Health System – Celebrating 90 Years
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2015, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report ranked Freeman one of the top Hospitals in Southwest Missouri in 2014-15, and The Leapfrog Group awarded Freeman the highest grade possible in the Fall 2015 Hospital Patient Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 60 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo. #FreemanTurns90