Volunteers

Benefits of volunteering

It is well documented that volunteers help themselves to better overall health while helping others. Volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease. The mission of the HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Auxiliary is to enhance the quality of care received by the hospital’s patients. We strive to be the hospital’s goodwill ambassadors and work tirelessly to be informative and gracious representatives.

Volunteer opportunities

Our volunteers, or "Blue Jackets," have served our community proudly since 1974. New opportunities for volunteer efforts are evolving. Currently, volunteers serve at our Information/Escort desk, at the hospitality cart, in patient mail-services, in the gift shop and in secretarial positions for both surgical and emergency waiting rooms.

The Auxiliary gift shop, which is our main source of revenue, contributes to several local charities annually. Proceeds from our gift shop fund several annual scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing healthcare degrees. Other fundraising efforts include bake sales, raffles and we are working on bringing back the much-loved Auxiliary cookbook. In addition to financial contributions, we also partner with the hospital in raising community awareness for Relay for Life, The American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

Who is eligible to volunteer?

The Auxiliary at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is an active group of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are 14 years old and interested in our summer Volunteen Program or retired and wanting to give back to this community, we have a place for you.

We are very proud of our quarter century members and our elite troop of volunteers who have celebrated their 90th birthdays.

Our Volunteen program is open to young people just entering high school. Parental consent is required, and applications are typically available during the month of May.

Where can I sign up?

Applications are available at the Information/Escort desk in the front lobby.

We'll schedule your interview and background screening. We also require immunization reviews and tuberculosis screenings.

If you have questions regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact Vicki Tarro at (850) 863-7501.