Long-time Volunteer Exemplifies a Passion

For Jo Bailey, St. Joseph's Hospital is a special place. Many members of her family were born here, including her husband and all seven of her children. It’s this personal connection and the hospital’s more than 150-year commitment to the community that prompted Bailey to begin volunteering with the auxiliary about 20 years ago.

“As my children grew older, I had more time for the community, and one way to become involved was to help raise money to ensure the continuation of quality care at the hospital,” Bailey says. “As a volunteer, I get such a good feeling knowing I am helping a great organization.”

Over the years, St. Joseph’s has experienced many changes, but one of its bedrock characteristics has remained the same – its foundation in faith. “I think one of the hospital’s greatest attributes is that it is the
only Catholic hospital in the Twin Cities,” Bailey says. “Patients can feel the difference in the care they receive at St. Joseph’s. And becoming part of HealthEast did not change that. HealthEast’s mission supports
the compassionate care St. Joseph’s has always provided.”

Bailey has a nursing background and recognizes quality care when she sees it. “St. Joseph’s has high standards for itself, and its long history has made it one of the leaders in setting benchmarks for patient care.”

Looking to the future

With the hospital expanding and renovating its facilities, Bailey and her husband are committed to providing
monetary support in addition to her volunteer hours. “Institutions like St. Joseph’s need donations in order to take their excellence a step further,” she says.“And St. Joseph’s is a good steward of its funds. The community can see the results of its support every day in the work of the hospital – healing people and saving lives.”

For Bailey, supporting the hospital is not only about the care it can provide today; it’s about tomorrow as well. “When people donate their time and money to the hospital, they are creating a legacy for their children and grandchildren,” she says. “I urge community members to give back to the hospital for its years of service to St. Paul and to ensure the continuation of great care for many years to come.”