Kathy Gammill, Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association President
Kathy Gammill, president of the Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association board of directors, is the first representative of Unity Health to have the honor of being elected to this position. As a leader in this organization, she has gained the respect of her peers and has been able to guide auxiliary hospital associations throughout the state.
Years of dedicated service to Unity Health and the hospital auxiliary associations have led Gammill to volunteer on local, regional and state levels. She has served in a variety of auxiliary positions including the Unity Health auxiliary board of directors as secretary for 2 years, vice president for 1 year, and president for 3 years. As a regional volunteer, she participated in the North Central District Auxiliary as district chair for 3 separate years. On a state level, within the Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association, positions held included newsletter editor for 2 years and president-elect for 1 year before she came to her current position as president of the board of directors. Other positions held within these organizations have included State Convention Chair by appointment, Website Committee and Bylaws Committee. Kathy Gammill is a valuable volunteer bringing knowledge and solutions as she works to address needs for Unity Health and the hospital auxiliary organizations to which she commits her time and energy.
The Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association is important because working together as a team of auxiliary members, on behalf of patients and hospitals allows the group to recognize issues, concerns and services that may be common to all or many of the hospitals and auxiliaries in the state. Members share new ideas for providing services and solutions to issues. She explains, “Members have the opportunity to continue supporting hospitals and communities by recognizing the services they may be able to provide and sharing their knowledge and experience. The objective of the association is to improve patient care in Arkansas hospitals by providing services and acting as a coordinating body for its members and by supporting the Arkansas Hospital Association.” The first Council of Hospital Auxiliaries was formed in 1955 at the request of the Arkansas Hospital Association, and efforts began for a state hospital organization to encourage new auxiliaries to grow. The new state association was formed in 1958 at a meeting of sixteen auxiliaries. The organization has been serving hospitals in meaningful ways ever since.
Opportunities are available to volunteer within the local, district, and state auxiliary associations. Auxiliary members who want to become involved in the Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association can join, participate in committees or complete an application for specific positions. There are plenty of opportunities, and Gammill is more than happy to talk with individuals about finding a good fit for them. Thank you, Kathy, for all you do!