In 1961, shortly after West Virginia University Hospitals (WVUH) opened its doors, a group of doctors’ wives organized an auxiliary at the behest of the Hospital’s first Administrator, Eugene Staples.  This “Ladies Auxiliary” became “Friends.”

Initially, Friends primary activity was purchasing items needed on nursing stations and in waiting rooms.  By 1965 Friends’ activities expanded into a gift shop; a play therapy program for the pediatric nursing station; a sewing group that produced patient gowns and towels; a patient lending library; and fundraising activities. 

Friends’ activities have expanded to match the needs of the preeminent health care facility in West Virginia.  We now have about 400 volunteers annually who help our patients and staff in 25 different areas within WVUH.  There are now a total of nine staff members in the Gift Shop and Volunteer Services who orient and supervise our volunteers, manage the gift shop and coordinate activities with the Friends’ Executive Board.

Friends of WVUH is no longer an exclusive “Ladies Auxiliary,” Friends encompasses men, women, high school and college students, retirees, professionals and homemakers.