The mission of American Red Cross Biomedical Services is to provide Americans with the safest, most reliable, most cost-effective blood possible through voluntary donations.

The Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region of the Red Cross announced that Red Bud Regional Hospital has been a valued partner in accomplishing this mission, and has reached gold level status in the Red Cross’ Champions for Life campaign.

The Champions for Life healthcare initiative benefits the Red Cross in two ways: by increasing blood donations at hospital-sponsored blood drives and recognizing hospital sponsors and blood donors for their generous efforts. To meet its top priority – to provide safe, reliable blood products to patients in need – the Red Cross depends on partnerships with area hospitals, including Red Bud Regional Hospital.

Red Bud Regional Hospital staff and the public played an integral part in the hospital being able to collect 309 pints of blood through hosting six blood drives in 2013. Because each pint has the potential to reach up to three people, more than 900 patients may have benefited from their efforts.

“Red Bud Regional Hospital not only provides 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, CEO of the Missouri-Illinois Region. “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 Red Bud Regional Hospital.”

To donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.