This year’s Annual Institute for Health Care Auxiliaries and Volunteer Leaders was held recently in Albany, attended by statewide HANYS Committee Chair Mary LaCombe, who is also a member of the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Auxiliary board; Ramona Kennedy, Auxiliary liaison for Claxton Hepburn Medical Center; Heather Kennedy, treasurer of the CHMC Auxiliary; Diane Dailey of the CHMC Auxiliary board, Patricia Bell of the CHMC Auxiliary board and the statewide HANYS committee; and CHMC Auxiliary President Martha McKee.

According to LaCombe, health systems and hospitals are under enormous pressure to adapt to the rapidly changing environment. Auxiliaries are called upon to evolve along with health care institutions.

LaCombe said this year’s institute provided valuable education and opportunities to exchange ideas with colleagues from across the state and to learn innovative ways to connect with communities.

The institute is sponsored by the Healthcare Association of New York State, a non-profit organization representing healthcare networks and hospitals in the state.