Flagler Health Auxiliary Celebrates 135 Years

St. Augustine, FL, May 11, 2023 – With a rich history of service to the St. Augustine community, the UF Health Flagler Hospital Auxiliary will celebrate its 135^th anniversary on May 22. The establishment of the Auxiliary in 1888 was the cornerstone of the creation of the UF Health Flagler Hospital.

Recognizing a need for a hospital in his new home city, industrialist Henry M. Flagler began a campaign to bring the vision to reality. Pulling together the city’s most influential ladies for a meeting in the rotunda of the Ponce de Leon Hotel, Mr. Flagler challenged them with a proposal where if they could organize and maintain it, he would build the hospital.

This group became the UF Health Flagler Hospital Auxiliary, the oldest hospital auxiliary in Florida and the seventh oldest in the United States. The hospital, which was originally named the Alicia Hospital and later renamed UF Health Flagler Hospital, opened in 1890. Since then, the Auxiliary has remained a constant through fires, relocations, and tremendous growth throughout the region.

“Congratulations to the UF Health Flagler Hospital Auxiliary for reaching this milestone. It is through their support that we can attain the level of care and service that we are able to provide for our community,” said Carlton DeVooght, President & CEO of Flagler Health+. “Their tireless efforts and enthusiasm for what they do is truly inspiring.”

Members of the Auxiliary can be found working in nearly every area of the hospital. From running the gift shop to interacting with patients or working behind the scenes on administrative duties, their presence is felt daily.

“For 135 years, residents of St. Augustine have come together to volunteer their time for the benefit of their fellow citizens,” said Rita Hubbs, UF Health St. JohnsVolunteer Services Specialist. "We are proud of the rich tradition of the UF Health Flagler Hospital Auxiliary in helping to service the needs of our community and look forward to a long and bright future.”

The UF Health Flagler Hospital Auxiliary is actively recruiting volunteers, people interested in joining the UF Health Flagler Hospital Auxiliary can pick up an application at the front desk in the hospital lobby or in the Volunteer Services office. Applications and more information are also available online at FlaglerHealth.org/volunteer.