Archbold Memorial Hospital’s Director of Volunteer Services, Michelle Collins, has been named the Georgia Hospital Association’s Volunteer Services Coordinator of the Year.
Collins was nominated by the members of Archbold’s Auxiliary for her ability to encourage communication and teamwork within the Auxiliary and the hospital, strong support of the Auxiliary and their goals, and her ability to lead and motivate.
During Collins’ tenure, she has organized many successful fundraising projects that have allowed the Auxiliary to purchase equipment, furnish rooms and keep the hospital at the forefront of technology.
Through funds raised under Collins leadership, the Auxiliary donated $300,000 for the construction of family waiting areas in the North Tower and family waiting suites in the East Cardiac Unit at Archbold Memorial Hospital. The Auxiliary also gave $25,000 for construction of a lounge at the Singletary Oncology Center, and $100,000 to help with the purchase of 3D mammography technology at the Archbold Women's Center. The Auxiliary also donated an additional $120,000 designated to help fund low-cost mammograms, and to purchase hospital wheelchairs, as well as resources for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, and many other initiatives. The Auxiliary also donates $35,000 to $40,000 annually designated for scholarships to be given to local students who are pursuing degrees in healthcare.
“Michelle is always seeking innovative fundraising projects, so we can find new ways to help our hospital,” said Sue Stephenson, president of the Archbold Auxiliary. “Our auxiliary has thrived under her leadership.”
To encourage communication and teamwork within the auxiliary, Collins created a buddy system. The volunteers are divided into “buddy” groups and an auxiliary officer leads each group.
“Our buddy list includes birthdays and contact information, so that our board members can contact their buddies about events, meetings and other items of importance,” said Ms. Stephenson.
The past few years, during National Volunteer Week, Collins has organized a dinner to recognize and honor her volunteers.
“She plans a special event each year as a way to thank us for our work,” said Stephenson. “Michelle really goes above and beyond to make us feel welcome and appreciated. We’re so proud that she has been recognized for all her hard work and dedication.”
"I'm proud Michelle was recognized as the Volunteer Services Coordinator for the entire state of Georgia," said Perry Mustian, President and CEO of Archbold Medical Center. "Everything Michelle does, she does from the heart. Her award reflects her commitment to Archbold and to our Archbold Auxiliary.
Michelle Collins, Director of Volunteer Services at Archbold Memorial Hospital.