Celebrating Our Partners in Saving Lives

Donors and Volunteers Honored by Southwest Washington Blood Program

February 14, 2006  VANCOUVER — It takes many people to save lives.  Behind each pint of blood stand the many people it takes to produce it, test it and prepare it.  Southwest Washington Blood Program is fortunate to have a dedicated group of people – blood donors, blood drive coordinators, entire high schools and more – willing to take time and energy to make the gift of life available to countless people in our community who need blood transfusions.  In recognition of the contributions of time, organizational skills and the other talents of these caring individuals, the Blood Program will host an awards luncheon in their honor at Vancouver’s Heathman Lodge, Thursday, February 16, 2006. 

The event, Partners in Life, celebrates the numerous ways that donors and volunteers support patients in our community.  From the donor giving blood, to the volunteers organizing blood drives and recruiting new donors, benefits of their efforts are felt by patients throughout Southwest Washington.  The award ceremony and luncheon, expected to draw about 120 people, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Heathman Lodge, 7801 NE Greenwood Drive, Vancouver, WA 98662.

Those receiving awards include: Adele Johnston of Ridgefield, who has been serving refreshments and cookies to donors since October 2004; Mari Martin, blood drive coordinator for Columbia River High School who has been an inspirational and solid leader in successful drives at the school over the years; Memorial Lutheran Church has been holding successful drives for years, especially with the help of Kathy and Walt Leitner.  After overcoming his own struggle with cancer, Walt and Kathy have been organizing drives at Memorial Lutheran, registering nearly 100 donors in their first three drives; and Sharon Leichner who volunteers nearly every week in our canteen, helping those who have just donated. 

Event speakers include Marilyn Johnson, RN, MS, currently a Parish Nurse for Trinity Lutheran Church and recently retired head nurse in the Cancer Center at SW Washington Medical Center.  Johnson was a member of the group at Southwest Medical Center in 1995 requesting Southwest Washington Blood Program/Puget Sound Blood Center supply blood to their hospital.  Johnson will share her personal experiences working with cancer patients.  Dr. Richard Counts, President and CEO of Southwest Washington Blood Program/Puget Sound Blood Center and Dave Leitch, Director/Donor and Volunteer Resources will also give remarks at the event.