IN A DECISION THAT WILL BENEFIT COUNTLESS PATIENTS OF BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL, THE AUXILIARIES OF THE FORMER BARNES HOSPITAL AND JEWISH HOSPITAL, WHICH HAVE OPERATED AS SEPARATE CHAPTERS OF THE BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL AUXILIARY SINCE THE HOSPITALS MERGED IN 1996, AGREED IN JANUARY 2010 TO MERGE INTO ONE AUXILIARY.
“The merger of our two chapters brings together the collective energies of two dynamic organizations that can do even more to support the mission of Barnes-Jewish Hospital,” says Ruth Springer, auxiliary co-president. “We’re excited by our enhanced abilities as it relates to fundraising and support.”
The merged auxiliary is comprised of more than 1,400 members and has a combined legacy of donating more than $20 million to the hospital, along with thousands of volunteer hours.
“We have an exciting slate of ongoing and new projects we’re evaluating, but we’re committed to supporting the programs both chapters have supported in the past,” says Susie Luten, auxiliary co-president. “As one chapter, we have tremendous opportunity and resources to help fulfill the health care needs of our community and to help advance the national leadership of Barnes-Jewish Hospital.”
The Parkview Chapter, formerly the Jewish Hospital Auxiliary, was established in 1952. The chapter has supported projects that advance patient care, including the Joanne Knight Breast Health Center, staffing of the radiation oncology waiting room at the Siteman Cancer Center, construction of Goldfarb Hall at Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College (co-sponsored with the Plaza Chapter), and an annual scholarship for students at Goldfarb School of Nursing.
The Plaza Chapter, formerly the Barnes Hospital Auxiliary, wasestablished in 1953. The chapter has supported a variety of special patient care and educational needs, including Barnes Lodge — a home away from home for long-term patients and their families — the BESt high school summer pharmacy experience program and an annual scholarship for students at Goldfarb School of Nursing.