More than 50 members of the Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary joined together on Wednesday, Oct. 11 for an annual meeting and brunch held at Brunswick Hotel and Tavern. The event highlighted the 2017 accomplishments of the Auxiliary, as well as the election of new board members and contributions of the Auxiliary to priority projects of Mid Coast Hospital.

“The Auxiliary is vital to our commitment to healthcare excellence as we work to keep healthcare costs as low as possible,” said Lois Skillings, president and CEO of Mid Coast–Parkview Health. “We are so grateful to for your dedication and continued support.”

In 2017, the Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary raised more than $125,000 at four major fundraisers held throughout the year. Annual Auxiliary events include the Valentine’s Bake Sale in February, the Used Book Sale held in March, the Grand and Glorious Year Sale held in May, and the Holiday Bazaar and Wreath Sale held in December. Additional funds are raised through the year-round Auxiliary Gift Shop located at Mid Coast Hospital.

At the meeting, Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary outgoing president Cyndy Bush awarded a check for $60,000 to Skillings, as a contribution toward the MRI machine currently being installed at Mid Coast Hospital.

The annual meeting also outlined transitions with incoming and outgoing board members. Most notably, Joyce Morgan of Brunswick was elected as the incoming president, while outgoing president Bush was thanked for her years of service. Additionally, Diane Field of Harpswell, Catherine Johnson of Brunswick, and Lynn Shipway of Bath were welcomed to the board of directors.

Morgan said, “I am very pleased to have been chosen as the next Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary president. I look forward to working with everyone to carry forward the mission of Mid Coast Hospital in caring for the health of our community.”

The event culminated with a panel presentation on hospice care by Chris Corriveau, RN, CHPN, hospice director at CHANS Home Health & Hospice, and a team of CHANS’ chaplains and caregivers. In addition to summarizing the history of hospice care in the Brunswick region, the speakers provided an overview of end-of-life care and the full range of in-home benefits available to hospice patients and their families.

“CHANS Home Health & Hospice is proud to be part of the rich history of hospice care in this region by volunteers,” said Corriveau. “As part of Mid Coast–Parkview Health, we offer a comprehensive and integrated team approach to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible in their last six months of life. We are especially grateful for the more than 75 volunteers who work tirelessly to provide compassionate, holistic support to our patients.”

Formed in 2001, the Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary is comprised of 350 individuals who support the mission of the hospital by volunteering their time to fundraising events, hospital-based services, and community outreach. There are several opportunities throughout the year to support important hospital projects by volunteering or joining the fundraising team. The next auxiliary fundraiser is the Holiday Bazaar and Wreath Sale, scheduled for Nov. 30 at Mid Coast Hospital.

Anyone interested in joining the Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary can apply for membership at midcoasthealth.com/volunteer, or by calling (207) 373-6015.