Health Center Auxiliary seeks new volunteers to keep up good work

The Health Center Auxiliary, a group of volunteers that over the past four decades has contributed scholarship funds, awarded a grant to purchase equipment, established an on-site child care center, begun a collection of artwork, and established an endowed chair, is seeking new members.

The Auxiliary is behind much of what has become part of the Health Center’s fabric.

Dr. Peter J. Deckers, executive vice president for health affairs at the UConn Health Center and dean of the School of Medicine, says the Auxiliary is “critically important to the well being of the schools here at the Health Center, as well as the John Dempsey Hospital and our physician practice.

“They enable us to do things we wouldn’t otherwise be able to do because of financial limitations,” Deckers says.

The group hopes to become better known among the University community.

Irene Engel, Auxiliary facilitator and longtime member, says, “The work is rewarding in that you know you’re making a difference for all who come here as patients, visitors, students, faculty, or staff.”

She wants it to be known that the Auxiliary is for the entire Health Center, not just John Dempsey Hospital, and that membership is not just for women but is open to all.

“We are looking beyond Health Center employees as we seek to expand our membership,” says Engel.

“We’d like to have input as to the direction we should be heading, to get the new, younger generation interested in our work, and also friends and family members who may be retired and might want to volunteer for our Auxiliary.”

A new color brochure and redesigned website are part of the Auxiliary’s campaign to raise awareness and expand its membership.

The brochures are available at the Health Center and at the thrift shop.

The Auxiliary website has information on how to join.

Despite the need for new members, the Auxiliary has made a significant impact. This year, for example, it awarded more scholarship money to more students than in any previous year.

Four medical students, two dental students, and a master of dental science student were each awarded $5,000 scholarships, and two master of public health students and two nursing students were each awarded $2,500.

Additionally, six Ph.D. students are sharing $5,000 in educational travel money.

This is a new Auxiliary award, providing financial support for Ph.D. students in biomedical science who attend advanced short courses at prestigious institutions.