Vanderbilt, St. Thomas, Centennial and Baptist hospitals have issued a blood challenge for June. The hospitals will be rallying their employees and visitors to help them claim the title of “Best Operators.”
“The challenge is called ‘We Can’t Operate Without You,’” said Charlie Wilcox, executive director of the American Red Cross, Tennessee Valley Blood Services. “It is completely true. Modern medicine is making miracles, but the common denominator is blood. That means the community needs to make the commitment to have the blood ready before it is needed.”
Blood drives will be scheduled in June to help Vanderbilt win the challenge. Hospitals typically see a blood shortage during the summer months due to increased outdoor activity, thus resulting in more accidents.