MCHS Auxiliary to Disband, Continue Scholarship Program

May 18, 2022

Released by:  McKenzie County Healthcare Systems, Inc

Auxiliary to Dispand, Continue Scholarship Program

Watford City—

Following a meeting last Wednesday, May 11th, the MCHS Auxiliary officers made the decision to disband by unanimous vote. The MCHS Auxiliary has been a true supporter of our healthcare system from birthday celebrations to pancake feeds to donut sales. Their remarkable volunteer work to fundraise for important needs in the Good Shepherd Home, Horizon Assisted Living, Hospital, and Swing Bed Program were
and are truly meaningful and appreciated.

MCHS Auxiliary roots run deep. The McKenzie County Memorial Hospital Guild started March 26, 1952. The Good Shepherd Home Auxiliary held their first meeting on January 21, 1964. On March 26, 2014, the Good Shepherd Home and McKenzie County Hospital merged to become the McKenzie County Healthcare Systems (MCHS) Auxiliary holding their first meeting.

The Auxiliary decided to disband for several reasons. Due to COVID, the organization was unable to meet for two years. Low membership numbers without new members also made some of the group’s signature initiatives more challenging, to include coordinating fundraising efforts with enough people to assist. Cheryl Faulkner, Director of Nursing, said, “We feel that the Benefit Fund of MCHS is equipped to do a better job with fundraising, and people can volunteer to help at our Nursing Home or Assisted Living.” MCHS is evaluating the interest and viability of a long-term, sustained volunteer program, and the community is welcome to provide feedback and suggestions.

Moving forward, the Auxiliary would like to continue their Scholarship Program. Each year high school seniors in McKenzie County can apply for a $1,000 scholarship award from the Auxiliary if they are pursuing a career in health care. MCHS Auxiliary members feel it is important to continue to encourage and support youth who seek careers in health care. Messina Garmann is the recipient of this year’s award. She is pursuing a career in
Radiologic Sciences at North Dakota State University in the fall.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Lynn Welker, MMHC
307-399-4145
lwelker@mchsnd.org