Alliance Presidents' Message

Celebrating 75 Years

Written by: Martha Holzworth

Seventy-five years ago the Woman’s Auxiliary to the Polk County Medical Society was organized to partner with physicians in Polk County to promote good health and foster friendly relations among physicians’ families.  Though our name has changed from the “Woman’s Auxiliary” to “Polk County Medical Society Auxiliary” and now “PCMSA Alliance” we have remained steadfast in our mission.  As our membership evolved, we worked with the physicians of Polk County to tailor our programs to meet the health needs of the community and to support the medical family.

The Alliance initiated many programs to benefit the children and adults of Polk County.  Our volunteer members implemented preschool vision screening, Meals On Wheels, the Homebound Handicraft Sale, Future Nurses Clubs, grade school health fairs, a drug coalition, Legislative Teas and a Medicinal Garden at the Botanical Center, to name a few.  We became adept at “fun and fund raising.”  Art Auctions and galas were organized to raise funds for community projects related to medicine.  TAM, a Transparent Anatomical Mannequin, and a Heart Model were given to the Des Moines Science Center.  Through the generosity of Alliance members, the 1875 office of Dr. R. B. Armstrong was moved brick by brick to Living History Farms, and a carriage house was constructed.  An art therapy center was furnished and equipped for Children and Family Services of Iowa.   Books teaching conflict resolution were given to kindergarten thru third grade students in all Polk County schools.  The “Baby Think It Over” project was introduced to area high school students.  Our members brought the Legislative Mini–Internships to Iowa.   Through a grant process each year, the Community Resources Committee of PCMSA distributes thousands of dollars to aid health-related programs of community organizations in improving the lives and health of our citizens.

Not only has the Alliance funded medical student loans and programs dealing with AIDS, family violence, drug abuse and teen pregnancy, but also our members have served in the Iowa Legislature, on the Polk County school boards and on city councils.  Many of our members lead other community organizations and have served the State and National Alliances as officers, committee members and chairmen. We are proud of our partnership with the PCMS and of our contributions to the health and well-being of the citizens of Polk County during the past 75 years.  We acknowledge the deep bonds of friendship among Alliance members that will successfully carry us through another 75 years.