Baptist Health Auxiliary Hardin celebrates 70-year anniversary, participates in projects to benefit communities
ELIZABETHTOWN, KY (April 25, 2025) – Baptist Health Auxiliary Hardin proudly marks its 70th anniversary this year, celebrating seven decades of dedicated volunteer service to the Baptist Health Hardin campus and the central Kentucky community. Since its founding in 1955, just one year after the hospital’s opening, the auxiliary has played a vital role in supporting patients, families and healthcare staff.
The auxiliary is a civic-minded organization whose sole purpose is to provide added support to Baptist Health Hardin and the patients it serves. Volunteers provide essential day-to-day support across the hospital, working alongside experienced staff to serve the needs of patients and their families. In addition, the auxiliary operates a teen volunteer program, which offers young people an exclusive opportunity to explore healthcare careers. The auxiliary also owns and operates the hospital gift shop, with all proceeds directed toward enhancing the patient experience.
“Our volunteers have long been the heart of Baptist Health Hardin,” said Pat Howard, the auxiliary’s volunteer coordinator. “They not only provide comfort and assistance to patients and visitors but maybe even more importantly, make a lasting impact through their kindness, commitment and generosity.”
“Directing some 200 volunteers was my joy because of their eager spirits to serve the hospital,” said Martha Lawson, the first director of Volunteer Services, who served the auxiliary from 1972-1992 at the then Hardin Memorial Health (HMH). “Just as is the case today, the volunteers helped wherever needed and ran the gift shop, but even more importantly, they encouraged good relationships between the hospital and patients and their families.”
“Baptist Health Auxiliary Hardin has shown unwavering dedication, generosity and compassion over its 70 years of service,” said Diane Logsdon, retired vice president and chief operating officer at HMH and advisor to the Baptist Health Foundation Hardin Board of Directors. “Our volunteers have made a positive difference through the years and continue to do so today – not only for patients and families, but for the entire hospital community. From raising funds and offering scholarships to supporting daily hospital operations, the auxiliary remains an essential part of the team. It was truly an honor to work alongside them during my tenure.”
In honor of its 70th anniversary, the auxiliary has embarked on a yearlong journey of service, committing to one community service activity per month. Its focus so far is on the placement and stocking of blessing boxes in nearby communities, beginning with the first installation in Sonora in February. Additionally, the auxiliary has helped fund prescription boxes to serve underserved areas, providing five in Hodgenville, five in Sonora, and five for the Wellness on Wheels mobile health unit.
Beyond fundraising, volunteers support clinical departments by managing information desks, operating a coffee and cookie cart for visitors, assembling activity books for waiting room guests, escorting patients and much more. Volunteers can be recognized by their signature purple smocks and their warm, welcoming presence throughout the hospital. Volunteers also contribute by staffing the hospital’s gift shop.
“The contributions of our auxiliary volunteers are nothing short of extraordinary,” said hospital President Robert Ramey. “This past year alone, their service hours equaled the work of more than 110 full-time employees. Their dedication allows us to extend our reach, enhance the patient experience, and uphold the compassionate care that defines Baptist Health Hardin.”
Baptist Health Auxiliary Hardin is hosting a special banquet in May to honor the dedication and hard work of its volunteers.
Throughout its history, the auxiliary has adapted to changing times, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a temporary pause in volunteer activities. However, this period also renewed the group’s sense of fellowship and dedication, attracting new members eager to serve. The auxiliary currently boasts over 100 active volunteers.
Baptist Health Auxiliary Hardin always welcomes new members. If you would like to become a part of this storied tradition and make a difference in the lives of others, call 270.709.1414 for more information.