"I was new to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque parish and to the Blood Drive coordinator position when a parishioner first mentioned that St. John's Mercy conducted on-site blood drives. The parish had utilized the services of the American Red Cross for some years prior to my coming, and they'd always done a very nice job.
I considered whether giving St. John's a try could enhance the scope of the ministry for parishioners because, in addition to helping save lives, they'd also be lending direct support to one of our local Catholic hospitals. After contacting Cheryl Barkhurst at St. John's, it became clear to me that this was exactly the case. Cheryl explained that for every pint of blood the hospital collects at on-site locations like our parish, St. John's Mercy saves up to $225 in direct fees paid to other blood providers. So by donating directly to the hospital, it's as if our donors are also making a $225 contribution to St. John's! That's, of course, on top of providing the life-saving blood itself.
That's the reason we first gave St. John's a try back in May of 2005. And from the very first drive, comments from parishioners were extremely positive about the friendly service, professionalism, and timeliness of their staff. They are very accommodating, always helping fit our parish's scheduling needs and the like. Their donor surveys also help us address any issues that do come up so we can improve for the next time. I notice that the nurses really do go the "extra mile" to make our donors feel comfortable and, most importantly, appreciated.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Blood Donor Services at St. John's Mercy Medical Center!
Mary Lou Frank
Blood Drive Coordinator
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish, south St. Louis County"
"I wanted to let you know about an extraordinary experience I had yesterday while donating blood and platelets at the medical center. I am getting to know the folks in the donor area (Joann, the receptionist is fabulous) but yesterday encountered a nurse whom I did not know. She introduced herself to me and immediately made me feel at home. It was early in the morning and I had not yet eaten breakfast. She made sure I had a snack before we got started. The process for donating both blood and platelets takes about 90 minutes. She sat me down in a recliner, on a heating pad covered with blankets, made sure my arm was up on a pillow and then covered me in more warm blankets. She made sure I was comfortable the entire time I was there. She was exceptionally professional. Jan explained everything she was going to do before it happened. She was diligent about hand washing. We talked about our families and the Thanksgiving holiday. Before I knew it my time was up and I was ready to go to the office.
Jan is a great ambassador for the medical center. Just wanted you to know about one of the fabulous people who are making a difference.
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the holiday season.
Gina"
***
"Dear Friends,
Although we have never met, you had an intimate relationship with our son Nicholas -- by your faithful, behind-the-scenes work, you saved Nick's precious life every other day for about 3 years. It has been 6 months since Nick lost his battle with neuroblastoma and received his heavenly reward. I wanted to mark this anniversary and this first Thanksgiving without Nick by thanking all of you for your part in giving us 3 extra years with our sweet Nicholas! God's blessings to each of you!
Sincerely,
Kelly"
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