Local organization offers comfort and shelter

For some, walking into a healthcare facility can be an experience filled with uncertainty and fear, but for most, being greeted by a familiar face can offer a sense of comfort and peace. For those who seek care at Baptist Health Hardin, there is a well-known face that offers reassurance to many: Pat Howell. 

When Pat first began volunteering at the escort desk at Baptist Health Hardin, she didn’t expect her new gig to result in lifelong friends and the ability to touch thousands of lives in the process. Fifteen years later, Pat has weekly lunch dates with fellow volunteers and has assumed the role of Baptist Health Hardin Auxiliary president.

“I did not anticipate becoming president of the Auxiliary,” Pat said. “It was totally out of my comfort zone, but I learned through the power of prayer and grace, that I was good at it. I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people and offering them the opportunity to give back in such a meaningful way, and to see the impact that our group is able to make on our entire community is something I will always cherish. After my term as president was over, I became the treasurer, then later took on the role of volunteer coordinator.”

Baptist Health Hardin was built in 1954 and Baptist Health Auxiliary was established in 1955, the two having operated together since near the very beginning. Over the years, Baptist Health Auxiliary has funded wheelchairs, a stained-glass window, car seats for newborn infants or children who have been in automobile accidents and more. Baptist Health Hardin Auxiliary is dedicated to meeting the real needs of community members.

“When the walls started going up for Baptist Health Hardin’s medical pavilion, we knew that we wanted to have a presence in the new facility,” said Pat. “We were excited to expand our footprint and be able to help in an even bigger way with the addition of such an important community asset.”

The pledge to the medical pavilion was a catalyst helping to bring in support from other organizations devoted to the advancement of their local hospital and community. Pat sees herself and the 60-plus other members of their organization as more than just friendly faces, but helpers with servant hearts who want to soften difficult experiences for patients and reignite the passion for giving in those they come into contact with.

“Every day I try to give back of myself in any way that I can,” said Pat. “I go home every day blessed for what Baptist Health has brought into my life and the way it allows me to significantly effect positive change. Through this organization, I have discovered a renewed purpose and it’s one I hope is contagious and influences others to join our fight to be a force for good.”