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Auxiliary at Shands at the University of Florida

The primary purpose of Shands Hospital Auxiliary is to assist the staff of Shands at UF in rendering comfort, aid and friendly understanding to patients. We work to be goodwill ambassadors to the community at large. All volunteer services are performed with the advice and consent of the hospital's administration.

One important purpose of the Auxiliary is to bring to both local and state communities the true image of the UF J. Hillis Miller Health Center and Shands at UF. To accomplish this, it is imperative that each Auxilian be trained, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic so that a good and true picture of the institution may be conveyed to the public.

Upcoming events

Board meetings are on the second Monday of each month at 9 am.


Gifts from our Auxiliary

  Child Life -- Pediatric Services $3,400
  Eastside Community Practice $2055
  Mini Grants $639
  Health Adventures Program $500
  Nurses Day $135
  Christmas stockings made for new mothers in the Mother Baby Unit $45
  Transplant Housing $50,000
Gifts to the Health Science Center:  
  Scholarships $11,500
Contributions -- Community support:  
  Florida Camp for Children with Diabetes $2,000
 
Total contributions
$70,724

Scholarship program 

In February 1961, Shands Auxiliary established the Hospitality Cart for the purpose of rendering a service to the patients and staff. The profits from the cart made possible the establishment of scholarships for students in the Colleges of Nursing and Health Professions.


Mission

Our mission as a compassionate and caring group working without prejudice or pride is to enhance and support the mission of Shands at the UF by:

  • Providing appropriate services
  • Acting as effective ambassadors
  • Implementing appropriate fundraising

Our purpose

One important purpose of the Auxiliary is to bring to both local and state communities the true image of the University of Florida Health Science Center and Shands Hospital. To accomplish this, it is imperative that each Auxilian be trained, knowledgeable and enthusiastic so that a good and true picture of the institution may be conveyed to the public.


Our history

After the opening of the Shands at UF in 1958, it was recognized by members of the Medical Guild that there were areas outside the medical care in which patients needed attention and concern. A service committee formed to bring comfort to the patients. It soon became apparent that additional personnel were needed, so a call to the women of the community was issued. There was a fine response and the work of the committee extended.

Later, an auxiliary formed to carry on and extend the contributions of the volunteer group. On February 28, 1961, the first meeting was held for interested people and the UF Hospital Auxiliary became a member of the American Hospital Association and the Association of Florida Hospital Auxiliaries.

Through dedicated work, ready and full cooperation by the Hospital Administration, perseverance, and a spirit of enthusiastic "togetherness," the Auxiliary forged ahead and grew in strength and service.

Since that beginning, the upward path of the Auxiliary grew stronger each year under hard-working, level-headed leadership. Requests for extended service by the Administration have been met as physical and financial resources have been made available. 

The name of the Auxiliary was changed in 1966, in 1983, and in 2000 to conform with the changes in the name of the hospital. It is now known as Shands Hospital Auxiliary at UF.

Becoming a Volunteer

Getting Started

Why Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Benefits

Application Process

Orientation Materials (.pdf)

Online orientation quiz

Special Event Application (.pdf)

Volunteer Service Areas

Service Area Listing

VolunTEEN

Pet Visitation

Auxiliary

Gift Shop



Shands News

SHANDSCAIR SECURES FASTER OPTIONS FOR PATIENT TRANSPORTS DURING LOW VISIBILITY

CONRAD EMMERICH NAMED VICE PRESIDENT AT SHANDS

NEW GENERAL COUNSEL JOINS SHANDS