High Blood Donations Bring North County Hospitals Kudos

Christian Hospital and Northwest Healthcare have received a high recognition from the American Red Cross in regards to its commitment to blood donations in North County.

Christian Hospital and Northwest Healthcare received the silver level award in the Red Cross Champions for Life health initiative.

The Champions for Life initiative focuses on increasing blood donations at hospital-sponsored blood drives and recognize hospital sponsors and blood donors for those efforts.

“Christian Hospital and Northwest Healthcare not only provide excellent health care to our community, they go above and beyond and show true concern and support for area patients by hosting blood drives with the American Red Cross” said Scott Caswell, Missouri-Illinois Region CEO. “This type of partnership is one which is greatly valued and needed in order to help meet patient demand for blood products. The American Red Cross is honored to partner with Christian Hospital and Northwest Healthcare.”

Both healthcare facilities held 12 blood drives last year that helped collect more than 170 pints of blood, which is estimated to help 500 people in the area who could need blood.

The announcement comes as June and the beginning of July have shown 10 percent less donors than in previous times, according to a press release from the American Red Cross. All blood types are being asked to donate and help the blood supply.

For those interested in donating to the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org. Donors must meet the following criteria: A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in, be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.