JFL’s Patient Family Council Hosts Blood Drive, Fundraiser To Benefit Hospital

The St. Croix Board of Realtors, in partnership with the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital Patient Family Council (PFC), will hold its First Annual Blood Drive on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the New Seaside Market in Gallows Bay, formerly Schooner Bay Market.

According to a news release issued about the event, it was organized “to bring the community together in support of JFL and to benefit its blood bank supply.”

(From left to right) JFL CEO, Dr. Kendall Griffith; JFL Patient Family Council Chairperson, Nancy Martin and St. Croix District Governing Board Chairperson, Dr. Anthony Ricketts at the PFC Golf Tournament on Sunday.

Of the upcoming blood drive, hospital CEO Dr. Kendall Griffith, said, “It is always a pleasure to work with our community partners to raise awareness on the needs of the hospital. Giving blood to help patients is a very generous gift that saves lives. We look forward to Saturday’s blood drive and wholeheartedly encourage the community’s participation.”

Griffith thanked the St. Croix Board of Realtors and the PFC for their “generosity of spirit” in organizing the event. He also expressed his thanks to all those who plan to donate blood.

The blood drive is the latest in a series of fundraisers the PFC, whose primary purpose is to engage the community in support of JFL, has held to benefit the hospital. Last Sunday, the group hosted a golf tournament and awards dinner at the  Carambola Golf and Country Club to finance upgrades to the hospital’s pediatric echocardiograph services.

Of Sunday’s tournament, PFC Chairperson Nancy Martin, said, “It’s a pleasure to be part of this special event. Especially given these difficult economic times, the financial support shown today is greatly appreciated and will go a long way in building morale and in fostering community partnerships. This is a wonderful example of how we can all work together to help uplift and restore the confidence in our island’s hospital.”

In turn, Griffith applauded the PFC’ efforts, as well as those of participants, donors and sponsors.

“I am incredibly grateful to the community for this strong show of support and for taking the time to help make a difference for JFL,” he said.

Echocardiography is a widely used diagnostic test in cardiology and is used for the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with suspected or known heart diseases.

JFL’s Patient Family Council was organized in March 2014.