Alton Memorial Strikes Gold in Red Cross Campaign

Alton Memorial Hospital has again, reached Gold Level status in the American Red Cross' "Champions for Life" campaign.

Champions for Life is a health care initiative based on strong partnerships with area hospitals. Through these relationships, the Red Cross strives:

• To increase blood donations at hospital-sponsored blood drives
• To provide recognition to hospital sponsors and their blood donors

Both results tie in with the Red Cross' top priority, to secure a safe and adequate blood supply for patients in need.

Gold Level means that Alton Memorial held at least four American Red Cross blood drives during 2009 and met predetermined collection goals. Through the support of staff and the public, the Hospital reached Gold Level standards in 2009 with 1,088 donations.

"Alton Memorial has escalated its efforts to show that its support of helping patients goes beyond the day-to-day events at the Hospital," says Julia Huelsmann, Missouri-Illinois Blood Services senior account manager. "This type of partnership involves the entire staff, from top leadership all the way to the line staff -- and this goes for both the Hospital and the American Red Cross. We are honored to serve a health center with the dedication and support of Alton Memorial Hospital."