In 1955, the first Council on Hospital Auxiliaries was organized at the request of the Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA). Its earliest members were Mr. Clyde Nevill, Chairman, Paragould Community Methodist Hospital; Mr. Gage Lewis, Springdale; and Mrs. Verna Hudson, Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital. Mrs. James Fall, an auxilian from West Memphis, served as an advisor. A list of existing auxiliaries and their officers was presented to the AHA Board of Directors and a state hospital auxiliary association was organized to encourage the growth of new auxiliaries. The first annual convention was held to coincide with the AHA convention in May 1958. Prior to the meeting in May, a Constitution and Bylaws were drawn up by Judge Charles Light, Paragould, and a tentative slate of officers was selected.
Sixteen auxiliaries were represented at the first meeting in 1958. They approved the idea of a state association, elected a slate of officers headed by Mrs. Tom Allen of Brinkley, accepted the bylaws and rules and voted to meet again in 1959 in conjunction with the AHA. Thus, the Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association (AHAA) was created. The AHA Council on Hospital Auxiliaries was enlarged with the addition of Mr. Andrew Talley of Forrest City, and Sister Mary Alphonsus, Mercy Hospital at Brinkley. Mr. Nevill continued to serve as chairman.
The first time AHAA was host for the Mid-West Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, was in 1959. A plaque was presented by Mid-West Association to AHAA for the most outstanding program ever given at a meeting.
In 1961, sixteen auxiliaries were added, and the state divided into six districts each with a chairman and dues were set according to the number of hospital beds. AHAA recognized the assistance and support of Mr. Graham Nixon, Executive Secretary of AHAA and contribution of supplies by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. A skit, “Pattern for Hospital Auxiliaries,” was written by Mrs. James Littleton of Little Rock, was presented at the convention of the American Hospital Association in Atlanta.
Between 1961 and 1966, AHAA showed steady growth. In 1962, the annual meeting month was changed from May to October. A president’s pin which was to be handed down to successors was established and a bylaws committee was formed. A scrapbook was begun to document the history of AHAA in 1963, such as Magnolia Hospital Auxiliary admitting men in 1965.
In 1966, Arkansas again was host at Mid-West and was pleased to have Mr. Chester Lauch of “Lum and Abner” radio fame oversee a “Jot’em Down” store as part of their display. The American Hospital Association (AmHA) chose Arkansas as one of five states to receive a one-day package institute, “The Volunteer in the Hospital”. The first proclamation of “National Hospital Week” was done in Arkansas. Membership in AHAA increased from 50 members in 1967, 52 members in 1968 and 56 members in 1969.
Three auxiliaries were added to AHAA in 1973-1974. AHA invited the president of AHAA to attend their board meetings as a guest. A pilot Legislative Workshop was held with the cooperation of AHA. It was recognized at the 1974 convention that AHA gave AHAA $3,000 so it might operate effectively.
In 1974-75, new auxiliaries encompassing more than 1,000 auxilians joined AHAA. Medic Alert was adopted as a state project. Each auxiliary received Family Health Record Books to be given to all new mothers as part of the Immunization Project. The president of the Arkansas Society of Directors of Volunteers Services Association was asked to be a member of the AHA Council on Auxiliaries and attend AHAA Board meetings. The AHA Board of Directors voted to seat the AHAA president as a voting member. AHAA was the second auxiliary association in the nation to be so honored. AHAA district chairmen were invited to attend AHA district council meetings. The first AHAA auxiliary handbook was published.
1976-1977 saw the addition of several auxiliaries to AHAA. In December of 1976, AHAA was incorporated, and forms filed with IRS to obtain a nonprofit status. Accident insurance was provided for the first time for all board members while on official travel. An Education Committee was established. Shared purchasing of volunteer uniforms was begun through a contract with Angelica Uniform Company.
At the close of the 1977-78 year, there were 61 member auxiliaries in AHAA. A decision was made to publish the state newsletter six times a year. Diane Mackey, past president of AHAA, was appointed to the AmHA Committee on Volunteers.
The voting membership of AHAA was 64 in 1978-79. A new state project, “The Medicare-Medicaid Beneficiary Assistance Project” was introduced at convention. “The Volunteer Leader” recognized Siloam Springs Memorial, Bates Memorial and Stuttgart Memorial for outstanding fund raising and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary for promoting a sales tax for expansion of the only acute care pediatric hospital in the state.
During 1979-80, the Child Safety Project was adopted. The Medicare/Medicaid Beneficiary Assistance Project was implemented. For its work as the pilot project, AHAA received an award from the Health Care Financing Administration, which had invited AHAA to participate in the project.
Losing its best friend in the untimely death of Maxine Shelton, AHA Administrative Assistant, in 1980-81, the AHAA dedicated the 1981-82 handbooks to her memory. Five auxiliaries joined AHAA. AmHA invited AHAA to give a workshop at its convention in Philadelphia on Medicare/Medicaid Beneficiary Assistance Project.
In February 1982, Governor Frank White recognized AHAA for “Outstanding Community Service in the Arkansas Volunteer Corps”. The year closed with 62 auxiliaries. A Legislative Day was held in January of 1983 in Little Rock. Doctors Hospital was selected by the AmHA to present its community service project, “The Healthy Woman Seminar” at the first Innovators Conference in Chicago.
Past President Ruth Forster spoke on “The Role of the Volunteer” at the Rural Health Conference in 1982-83. A memorial honoring Lena Wilson was dedicated as a Library Fund. Mrs. Wilson was president of AHAA in 1967-68.
Four new auxiliaries were added to AHAA in 1983-84, one was reinstated, and the year ended with 67 auxiliaries. A new state project was developed, “RX Get the Answer”, and Linda Bonar, who named the project, received the first AHAA state pin, which was then made available to all members.
AHAA sponsored a Legislative Day in 1984-85 fiscal years. “Please Call Police” Banners were a special project. Arkansas was one of five states which were awarded a $1,000 grant from AmHA and the national Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which AHAA used to present “Living is a Cinch” workshop for the purpose of promoting automobile occupant protection. At this workshop, AHAA’s program, “Bug-Buckle Up for Granny” was introduced. The AHAA Board voted to accept the invitation of Secretary of State Bill McCuen to make the decorations for the 1985 Christmas tree in the rotunda of the State Capitol.
On Labor Day, during the 1984-85 year, auxilians in close proximity to several Tourist Information Centers and Rest Areas distributed highway safety literature and “BUG-Buckle Up for Granny” fans. The first dues increase in 10 years was approved and the fiscal year was also changed to July 1 – June 30. In the competition to name the AHAA newsletter, Mae Crumpler of Magnolia won with her entry of “Auxilians in Action”. Two new auxiliaries were added, bringing the membership to 69.
In the 1985-86 year, the AHAA manned a booth at the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association trade show to promote the “Please Call Police” banners and B.U.G. program, furnished the handmade decorations for the official Arkansas Christmas tree in the rotunda of the Capital and received a special recognition from the Governor’s Office and the Arkansas Highway Safety Program for its involvement in the improvement of highway safety in Arkansas. The AHAA president served as chairman of the Program Committee for Auxiliaries at the Mid West Health Congress in Kansas City. The AHAA board endorsed and encouraged participation in the “Hands Across America” Program. AHAA was represented at the National All American Buckle Up kick-off and the ground breaking ceremony for the Vietnam Memorial. Through a grant from the Arkansas Highway Safety Program, 5,000 small American flags with an attached streamer “BUCKLE UP ARKANSAS” were distributed throughout the state on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. One auxiliary resigned and one joined AHAA, ending the year with 69 member auxiliaries.
During the year 1986-87, a workshop with the Arkansas Society of Directors of Volunteer Services was held. Also, AHAA sponsored a gift shop show and workshop. ARKLA Sponsored child safety tags and these were handed out by auxilians at shopping malls from across the state. AHAA presented its highway safety program, BUG-Buckle Up for Granny, for Innovators Conference, American Hospital Association. Madge Helm, AHA administrative assistant and liaison to AHAA, was made an honorary life member of the AHAA, the first person to be so honored.
AHAA was honored to participate in the organ recipient reception held at the Governor’s Mansion, which honored families of organ donors and recipients of organs. AHAA also participated in the ceremony for the one millionth child assistance tag (CAT) given by ARKLA to Arkansas children with the assistance of AHAA. At the end of this year, AHAA had 71 members.
In the 1988-89 year, a Legislative Seminar was held January 11 at the Camelot Hotel in Little Rock. The AHAA sponsored a Gift Shop Show and Workshop in Eureka Springs in March. Child assistance tags (CAT) were again actively distributed in June by auxilians across the state. In May, the AHAA board voted to develop ARORA (the organ recovery program) as a state project. Two auxiliaries merged and a new auxiliary was also formed. At year’s end there were 69 member auxiliaries.
During the 1989-90 year, the AHAA Board officially adopted the Child Assistance Tags (CATs) as a state project. The “CATs” are furnished by ARKLA and distributed by AHAA across the state. A leadership seminar was held in Little Rock and 123 auxilians attended. AHAA participated in the ARORA reception at the Governor’s Mansion and received an award from ARORA for AHAA’s support and efforts on behalf of organ donors and organ recipients. Dorothy Spencer wrote and published a booklet, “Guidelines for District Chairman.” AHAA also participated in a seminar conducted by the Arkansas Volunteer Coordinators Association (AVCA). AHAA has, at year’s end, 70 members. Auxilians across the state made Christmas ornaments for the tree at the State Capitol. In August 1990, the AHAA held its first Past Presidents’ Luncheon with 17 in attendance.
During 1990-91, AHAA did not hold any workshops or introduce any new state projects, preferring to concentrate on activities already in place. A Christmas Tea was held at the Arkansas Hospital Association’s headquarters building and several member auxiliaries donated Christmas ornaments to the AHA Christmas Tree. Legislative Day was held to support legislative efforts of Arkansas hospitals and the AHA. AHAA supported the Organ Donor and Recipient Reception held at the Governor’s Mansion. There were 70 members of AHAA at the close of the year.
During the 1991-92 year, AHAA joined the Southeastern Hospital Conference. A Christmas Tea was held at the Arkansas Hospital Association Building. AHAA took an active role in securing signatures for the Coalition for a Healthier Arkansas (CHAR) to place an Act on the ballot to raise funds for Arkansas’ Medicaid program. R.F. Ant was adopted as the new state project. It is a video to educate children about the dangers of drugs from nicotine to hard drugs. Continuing its support of ARORA, AHAA sponsored the reception which honors donors, recipients and their families. AHAA created its first Cookbook – Angels Have Assorted Appetites.
During the 1992-93 year, AHAA lost two members. However, it accepted Eureka Springs Hospital Auxiliary and Bates Development Associates as new members. At the end of the year, AHAA had 67 members. The AHAA Board reordered 1,500 copies of its cookbook – Angels Have Assorted Appetites. The President and President-elect introduced R.F. Ant on a regional level at a conference in Atlanta. The first reunion of past and present AHAA Boards was held at Marlsgate Plantation. AHAA had a successful legislative day with over 60 legislators attending. Hospital auxilians were given credit for helping to defeat a provider tax on hospitals which was felt to be unfair. AHAA held a leadership seminar with over 100 auxilians attending.
During 1993-94, AHAA lost one member, but accepted Harris Hospital as a new member. At the end of this year, AHAA remains with 67 auxiliaries. The AHAA president ordered an additional 500 copies of the AHAA cookbook Angles Have Assorted Appetites. The President and President-elect attended the SAL meeting in Chicago. The second reunion of Past/Present AHAA Boards was held at the Little Rock Club in August. Legislative action was done over the state regarding Health Care Reforms. The Soft Drink Tax proposal saw action across the state. AHAA held a Leadership Conference in Hot Springs with over 100 auxilians attending. Several “going away” functions were held for Roger Busfield at his retirement as President of AHA. AHAA welcomed a new president of AHA, James R. Teeter, to its board of directors.
During 1994-95, AHAA accepted Northwest Rehabilitation Hospital Auxiliary as a new member. At the end of the year, AHAA had 68 auxiliaries. The AHAA sold T-shirts with “A New Beginning” and a butterfly on the front. The President and Vice President attended a California Association Hospital and Health Conference in Anaheim, CA. The president attended the SAL meeting in Chicago. A Legislative Day was held in Little Rock by the AHAA in February. The president and president-elect attended the American Hospital Association convention in San Francisco in August.
In 1995-96 the AHAA Leadership Seminar was held in Hot Springs. The AHAA membership was comprised of 70 auxiliaries. The president and president-elect attended the SAL meeting in Chicago in March and the president attended the CAHHS convention in Monterey, California. The Southeastern Conference of Healthcare, held in Biloxi, Mississippi, was attended by the president and the other AHAA board members. Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Auxiliary in Sherwood joined the AHAA.
In 1996-97 year started with the annual AHAA Convention in Fayetteville in October 1996 with a record breaking attendance. The President and President-elect attended two meetings during the year, the SAL meeting in Chicago, and a convention in California. The Fall and Spring meetings attained 100% attendance. Legislative Day was held in Little Rock in January. At the beginning of the year the AHAA was composed of 68 auxiliaries. The AHAA board accepted the withdrawal of Mercy Turner Memorial, Little River, and Magnolia Auxiliaries. The AHAA chartered a new auxiliary at Baxter County Regional Hospital in Mountain Home. This auxiliary has 280 members. The Bylaws Committee worked hard and successfully to bring our bylaws up to date.
The 1997-98 year began in October 1997 with the 39th Annual AHAA Convention at the Doubletree Hotel in Little Rock. A record attendance of 383 registered auxilians made this convention the largest ever. The convention committee presented a program of speakers and workshops that addressed the needs of the auxiliaries. There were thirteen vendors present with interesting wares for everyone. 560 auxilians attended the fall and spring district meetings, with many auxiliaries having 100% attendance. The president and president-elect traveled a total of 3,378 miles over the State of Arkansas at attend these meetings. They also attended the SAL (State Auxiliary Leaders) meeting in Chicago and other meetings in Kentucky. In July the Magnolia Hospital Auxiliary chartered. The Bylaws committee revised the Administrative Policies and Procedures. The Leadership Conference held in Russellville in July was a great success with 121 attendees.
The 1998-99 year began in October 1998 with the 40th Annual Convention at the Hilton Hotel in North Little Rock with over 400 registered auxilians in attendance. Workshops and vendors made this a most successful convention. The President and President-elect attended the convention in California and SAL meeting in Chicago. The Legislative Day was held in Little Rock at the Double Tree Hotel. We had a good guest speaker and over 60 Legislators and 100 auxilians were there. Two new hospitals were accepted into membership, the Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock, and Baptist Medical Center in Heber Springs, bringing our membership in the AHAA to 67.
The 1999-2000 year began the 41st Annual Convention held in the Double Tree Hotel in Little Rock with an outstanding attendance. We had workshops and the most vendors we have ever had, pleasing everyone. The President and President-elect attended the SAL meeting in Chicago also the Southeast SDVSHO Leadership Conference in Chattanooga, TN, along with eight other members from Arkansas. Arkansas was well represented. The WHALE™ project got off to a bang-up start. The program was established in late 1999 but did not get off the ground good until 2000. ARORA was taken off our State Projects. The Past President’s Luncheon and Retreat was held at DeGray Lodge out of Arkadelphia. With the resignation of Bates Development Associates in Bentonville, our membership now totals 66.
In 2000-2001, our 42nd State Convention was held at the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs. We had workshops, vendors, a silent auction, and the “Take Your Administrator to Lunch”. The President and President-elect attended the SAL meeting in Chicago and brought back some excellent ideas. The WHALE™ Project is going strong and the AHAA cookbooks are selling well. Legislative Day was held, and many legislators attended. On July 11, 2001, the current Board of Directors, committee chairmen, and the incoming board members held a retreat at the Oasis Renewal Center in Little Rock. These retreats are for the board to get new ideas and input of changes that should help new officers coming on the board. Arkansas was well represented at the SDVSHO Meeting in May in Birmingham, Alabama. Theda Aud chaired a committee to design a state flag for AHAA. The AHA presented us with a stage flag which will be used at conventions and meetings. Flags are available for purchase by auxiliaries and hospitals. Two auxiliaries were chartered: Ozark Health Medical Center of Clinton and Stone County Medical Center of Mountain View. Both are in the North Central District. Mercy Hospital of Scott County, Waldron, in the Valley District withdrew from membership. Our auxiliary membership is now 67.
The year 2001-2002 was a good year, beginning with the 43rd Annual Convention held at the Peabody Hotel. The hotel was being renovated so we missed the famous duck walk. Our President, Pattsy Yancy, and president-elect, Pat Stephens, attended the State Auxiliary Leadership Meeting in Chicago in March, and the SDVSHO Leadership Conference in Biloxi in April. A Leadership Conference was held in June in Paragould. The Honorable Jimmie Lou Fisher, State Treasurer, spoke on Leadership and Volunteerism. The Keynote Speaker was Honorable Tim Wooldridge, Arkansas Senate AMMC Vice President for Institutional Advancement. The auxiliaries are continuing to support the state projects – Immunization, Medic Alert, Drug Awareness/R.F. Ant, and WHALE™. NARTI, in Springdale, Northwest District, withdrew from membership. Our auxiliary membership is now 66.
The year 2002-2003 began with the State Convention in October at the Double Tree Hotel in Little Rock. The Keynote Speaker was Ladonna Gatlin. Legislative Day in January was very well planned and informative. Ginger Beebe, chairman, put together a great occasion at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. Speakers were Senator Brenda Gullett of Pine Bluff and Don Adams, Vice President AHA. After lunch with the senators, we went to the State Capitol for a tour. The AHAA President and President-Elect attended two national meetings. The State Auxiliary Leadership Conference was held in Reno, Nevada and the SDVSHO Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. All seven districts reported well-attended fall and spring district meetings. Theda Aud, AHAA past president, was appointed to the American Hospital Association’s Committee on Volunteers. No auxiliaries withdrew this year, and none were added. Our membership remains at 66.
October started the 2003-2004 year off with our convention held at the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs. Senator Brenda Gullett was the Keynote Speaker. Seven district meetings were held in the fall and in the spring. Several leadership functions were held this year. The SDVSHO Annual Leadership Convention, with Theda Aud representing the AHAA, was held at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock with the theme “Building Solid Leadership One ‘Little Rock’ At A Time”. The Leadership Seminar was held in Mountain Home and was chaired by Loma Meyer. During the past year, two auxiliaries were chartered: Dallas County Medical Center (Southwest District) and Dardanelle Hospital (Valley District). Two auxiliaries withdrew from membership: CARTI (Metropolitan District) and DeQueen Regional Medical Center (Southwest District).
The 2004-2005 year began with the 46th Annual Convention held in October at the Double Tree Hotel in Little Rock. Dorothy Spencer chaired a successful Legislative Day in January. The Hon. Tim Wooldridge was the Keynote Speaker. Lou Jorgenson, Ann Cloud, Nancy McFarland and Theda Aud attended the State Auxiliary Leadership meeting in Washington, D.C. Ann and Theda represented our state at the SDVSHO Leadership Conference in Covington, KY. The auxiliaries continue to support the state projects. The AHAA sponsored two $2,000 scholarships at UAMS Medical Center – one for a student in the School of Nursing and one for a student in Health-Related Professions. There were seven district meetings in the fall and also in the spring. No auxiliaries were chartered, and none withdrew.
In 2005-2006, the 47th Convention and Annual Meeting were held at the Double Tree Hotel. In April, the President and President-Elect attended the SAL (State Auxiliary Leaders) conference in Washington, D.C. Theda Aud, AHAA Past President was appointed Chair of the American Hospital Association’s Committee on Volunteers. The AHAA board voted to discontinue the drug awareness program. AHAA continues to sponsor two $2,000 scholarships at UAMS Medical Center. Also, the Northwest District gave a one-time $1,000 scholarship in Ann Cloud’s honor to the College of Health Professions at UAMS. The seven district meetings were held in the spring and fall. Three auxiliaries joined AHAA: Arkansas Surgical Hospital, North Little Rock (Metropolitan District), Great River Medical Center, Blytheville (Northeast District) and Mena Regional Health System, Mena (Valley District). Central Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary and White County Medical Center Auxiliary, both in Searcy, merged following the merger of the two hospitals. Newport Hospital closed. Two auxiliaries withdrew: Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock and Harris Hospital in Newport.
In 2006-2007, the 48th Annual Convention was held at the Double Tree Hotel in Little Rock. In May, our president and president-elect attended the SAL conference in Washington, D.C., and in August they attended the ASDVS Conference in San Antonio, TX. The two hospital auxiliaries that withdrew the previous year, Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock and Harris Hospital in Newport, rejoined AHAA in July 2007. They received their charters at convention in October 2007. Our auxiliaries now number 65. Two new state projects were approved – The Scholarship Program began with the year 2006-2007 and the HELP (Helmet Emergency Labeling Program) will begin with the 2007-2008 year. Legislative Day this year was changed to Legislative Advocacy Training Day for the purpose of training auxilians to be legislative advocates for their hospitals. It was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock on January 18, 2007. Don Adams and Bo Ryall, AHA officers, were presenters along with Barbara Kumpe from the American Heart Association.
During the 2007-2008 year the Arkansas Hospital Association added a wing and renovated their headquarters. While this construction was underway the AHAA Board held its meetings at Julie’s Restaurant and at Southwest Regional Medical Center. For the September meeting, the board returned to a larger and remodeled AHA building. The 49th AHAA Convention and Annual Meeting was again held at the Double Tree Hotel in Little Rock. In March, our state president and president-elect attended the SDVSHO meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia; in April they represented the AHAA at the SAL Conference in Washington, D.C. The Advisory Committee of Past Presidents met to review the Award of Excellence criteria and other matters. They reported their recommendations to the Board. Theda Aud chaired a well-attended Leadership Conference in June, featuring Bill Fulton, motivational speaker. It was held at Mount Magazine. A decision was made to discontinue mailing the AHAA newsletter. It is now available on the AHA web site. We lost five auxiliaries from our membership this year. They were Booneville Community Hospital and River Valley Medical Center; (Valley District); Community Medical Center of Izard County (North Central District); Arkansas Surgical Hospital and Southwest Regional Medical Center (Metro District). The 2007-2008 year ended with 61 auxiliaries.
Convention 2009 saw some positive changes. We had a 50-50 drawing that was well received. Credit cards were accepted for the first time, and we purchased a credit card machine to be used in the future. State projects were reviewed, and the board voted to discontinue the Immunization Project, as that work is now being done by the hospitals. The President-elect, State Projects Chair, worked with MedicAlert to start a pilot program in which the AHAA would partner with MedicAlert to encourage more participation. New MedicAlert brochures, with the AHAA logo, were given to one hospital auxiliary in each district, with each auxiliary identified by its own number. In March the board voted to suspend the Scholarship program for the coming year, as funds were not available. The program will be evaluated each year and a decision made as to whether or not to continue it. The November board meeting has been discontinued. The President and President-elect attended the SAL Conference in Washington, D.C., in May. In June, a successful Leadership Conference was held in Harrison, with a record number of auxilians present. The history of the Presidents’ Pin was presented at the Past Presidents/ Awards luncheon at convention. Gloria McEnroe was in office before the Past Presidents’ Pin was a reality, so she had not received one. This year, she was presented with her official Past Presidents’ pin and received a standing ovation for all she has done over the years for the AHAA. No new auxiliaries joined the AHAA during the year. DeWitt Hospital, in the Southeast District, withdrew their auxiliary from the state organization.
Despite turbulent economic times, the 2010 AHAA Annual Meeting and Convention was well attended. Proceeds allowed for the resumption of the state scholarships to UAMS. The board voted to reinstate the November board meeting and to eliminate the January meeting. Due to severe winter weather, the January 12, 2011, Legislative Training Day was cancelled. This spring, the President and President-elect were able to travel to Washington, D.C. for the State Auxiliary Leaders (SAL) Conference and to Louisville, Kentucky, for the Southeastern Directors of Volunteer Services in Healthcare Organizations (SDVSHO) annual meeting. Great River Medical Center Auxiliary in Blytheville has withdrawn from AHAA. We are welcoming back Stone County Medical Center volunteers. Their hospital was hit by a tornado in 2008. The year ended with 62 auxiliaries in the organization.
A Leadership Conference was held June 20, 2012, in Little Rock and was very well attended. Both the President and President-elect represented Arkansas at the State Auxiliary Leaders (SAL) Conference in Washington, D.C. The President was also able to go to the Southeastern Directors of Volunteer Services in Healthcare Organizations (SDVSHO) meeting held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Due to the increases in printing expenses and other considerations, the board voted to discontinue WHALE™ as a state project. The 2012-2013 AHAA handbook features a color version of the state logo on the cover. This logo was originally designed by Past President Bina Foy and was in black and white. George Spencer, from Johnson Regional Medical Center in Clarksville, fashioned a colored, stained-glass replica of the design as a gift for Past President Jane Texter. The picture has since been hung at the AHA building in Little Rock. A photograph was taken of the glass and Arkansas Flag and Banner used it to make a new flag. In May 2001, the AHAA board voted to adopt the design as our state flag. No new auxiliaries were added or withdrawn; at year end, AHAA had 61 auxiliaries.
The 2012 Annual Meeting and Convention were successful and well-attended, with 361 registrants. AHAA members from across the state attended Legislative Advocacy Day at the Capitol in Little Rock in support of Medicaid expansion. State forms for 2013 were revised. The board voted to adopt Alzheimer’s as a new state project. Immediate Past President, Lynn Smith, was appointed to serve a 3-year term on the American Hospital Association’s Committee on Volunteers (COV), which is quite an honor for our state association. As our COV representative, Lynn attended the SAL conference in Washington, D.C., the SHVL conference in Baltimore, MD, and the AHVRP Leadership conference in Indianapolis, IN. AHAA established a $25,000 endowed scholarship to the UAMS College of Nursing and the UAMS College of Health Professions. We will continue to grant the annual ($2,000 each) scholarships to each college. Our president and our Legislative chair attended the SAL conference in Washington, D.C. DeWitt Hospital and Nursing Home Auxiliary rejoined the AHAA. At year end, 2013, the AHAA had 62 members.
The year 2013 saw three hundred sixty-four (364) in attendance at the annual meeting and convention. The AHAA President-elect and the Legislative Chair traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the national SAL Conference. An extremely successful Leadership Conference was held June 3, 2014, at the historic Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs. The AHAA voted during 2014 to approve the development of an AHAA website. Mass Enthusiasm was contracted to design the site, which has been up and running since late May. The new website address is: www.arhaa.org. One auxiliary, Five Rivers in Pocahontas, withdrew from our organization. We ended the year with sixty-one (61) auxiliaries.
The 2014 AHAA Convention and Annual meeting was held at the DoubleTree Hotel with three hundred twenty-seven (327) in attendance. In May the AHAA president and president-elect attended the national SAL Conference in Washington D.C. The state legislature voted to continue the Private Option program, which benefits hospitals in our state. After reviewing guidelines and applications prepared by a committee of District Chairs, the AHAA voted to give each district $500 annually for scholarships, effective January 2016. The AHAA also voted to discontinue MedicAlert as a state project and to adopt “Look Before You Lock” as our newest project. Community Medical Center of Izard County, in Calico Rock, has voted to rejoin our organization. The year ended with 61 auxiliaries.
2015 marked the final year the annual Business Meeting and Convention was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. The Embassy Suites, also in Little Rock, will be the new venue beginning in October 2016. Lynn Smith, AHAA Past President, was appointed to serve as Chair of the American Hospital Association’s Committee on Volunteers. The AHAA board voted to establish a $25,000 endowment to the UAMS College of Health Professions. The President and President-elect traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the SAL conference. The AHAA lost two auxiliaries from the Northeast District, Lawrence Health Services and Piggott. Membership in AHAA is currently 58 auxiliaries.
2016 saw the annual state convention move to the Embassy Suites in Little Rock. We now have more room to conduct workshops and have other amenities that improved the event. The AHAA President was able to attend the SAL Conference in May 2017. Our endowment at the UAMS College of Health Professions was fully funded in February 2017. We lost four auxiliaries this year: Arkansas Heart, Community Medical Center of Izard County, Fulton County Hospital and Baptist Health Medical Center – Stuttgart. Current totals are: Metropolitan – 9; North Central – 7; Northeast – 7; Northwest – 8; Southeast – 8; Southwest – 9; Valley – 6. Past President Jerry Berley, from Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden, was named to the national Committee on Volunteers.
In late 2017, the American Hospital Association (AHA) approved a change to the annual State Auxiliary Leaders (SAL) Conference. Instead of being held in Washington D.C., the meetings will now be held in conjunction with the Association for Healthcare Volunteer Resource Professionals (AHVRP) Conference. Locations change each year for that meeting.
2017-2018: The board voted to suspend scholarships to the UAMS College of Nursing and College of Health Professions. Scholarships will continue to be awarded annually to students from the AHAA fully funded endowment to each college. It was also decided to no longer appoint a Thrift Shop Committee since so few of the state auxiliaries operate a store of that type. AHAA ended the year with a total of 54 auxiliaries: Metropolitan, 9; North Central, 7; Northeast, 7; Northwest, 8; Southeast, 8; Southwest, 9; Valley, 6.
2018-2019: Sadly, in 2019 AHAA lost some valued members. Past AHAA Presidents Darthy Tyrity and Theda Aud, Northwest District Chair Judy Overton and long-time board member Pat Lavender all passed away. Each of these ladies contributed much to our organization and is greatly missed. Membership in AHAA remains at 54 auxiliaries. We lost CrossRidge in the Northeast District and added Arkansas State Hospital to the Metropolitan District. At year end, the totals are: Metropolitan, 10; North Central, 7; Northeast, 6; Northwest, 8; Southeast, 8; Southwest, 9 and Valley, 6
2019-2020: The COVID-19 Pandemic affected the AHAA in numerous ways. The Spring District meetings were cancelled, and the Board made the decision to cancel the Convention in October as well as the Fall District meetings. Membership in AHAA remains at 54 auxiliaries. We lost North Metro (Metropolitan) and added Hands for Mercy Auxiliary – Mercy Fort Smith (Valley). Current totals are: Metropolitan – 9; North Central – 7; Northeast – 6; Northwest – 8; Southeast-8; Southwest – 9 and Valley – 7.
2021-2022: Membership remained the same. The 2021 Fall District meetings and the State Conference were cancelled. AHAA Board meetings were by teleconference until May 2022. Spring District meetings resumed. AHAA Past President Nancy McFarland (2003-04) passed away.
2022-2023: Membership in AHAA is currently 48; we lost Arkansas State Hospital and CHI St. Vincent Morrilton, decreasing the Metropolitan District to six; Unity Health combined their facilities into one auxiliary, decreasing the North Central District to six; and we lost Chambers, decreasing the Valley District to six. Current totals: Metropolitan – 6; North Central – 6; Northeast – 6; Northwest – 7; Southeast – 8; Southwest – 9; Valley – 6. Most auxiliaries are back working in their hospitals after being out due to COVID restrictions. After two years of not having the convention, we were able to hold the event in Hot Springs. AHAA lost five past presidents: Ruth Forster (1981 – 1982), Helen George (1985 – 1986), Louetta Jorgenson (2004 – 2005), Dorothy Spencer (1989 – 1990), and Suzanne Hackney (2018 – 2019).
2023-2024: Membership in AHAA is currently 47; we lost CHI St. Vincent Infirmary – Little Rock, decreasing the Metropolitan District to five. The State Convention and Annual Meeting was moved back to Little Rock and held at the Embassy Suites. AHAA lost two past presidents: Ann Cloud (2005-2006) and Gloria McEnroe (1976-1977). The AHAA president’s pin was donated by Dr. McEnroe to his wife, Gloria. The pin is worn by the current president during their term.
2024-2025: This year was one of significant transition and progress for AHAA. Three hospitals withdrew their membership — Baptist Health–Arkadelphia and Baptist Health–Hot Spring County (both members of the Southwest District), and Progressive Health of Helena (Northeast District). We were pleased, however, to welcome Conway Regional Health System, bringing our current membership to 45 hospitals.
Several key initiatives and accomplishments marked this year: transitioned the AHAA handbook fully online; replaced the printed newsletter with a private Facebook page to improve communication and connection; added two new state projects – food insecurity and stroke awareness; updated required AHAA forms; collected over 87 gallons of pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in Little Rock; revived both the Gift Shop Workshop and Legislative Day; AHAA President Charlotte Jackson represented Arkansas by speaking at two national conferences — in Nashville and New Orleans; returned the annual convention to the DoubleTree Hotel; celebrated AHAA’s 70th anniversary. This year, we also mourned the passing of two AHAA Past Presidents, Peg Kuhnly (2006–2007) and Sharon Sly (2013–2014), whose service and dedication will always be remembered.