American Red Cross Names Vandalia Health’s Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital a Premier Blood Partner

Vandalia Health’s Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital has been recognized by the American Red Cross as one of its Premier Blood Partners for 2025, honoring the hospital’s steadfast commitment to supporting both the local community and national blood supply.

The Premier Blood Partner Program was created in 2018 and first awarded in 2019. This program recognizes the highest contributing sponsors who collect at least 50 donations per year and maintain an average blood drive size of 30 units or more over the year.  In 2024, Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital hosted six blood drives, averaging over 34 units per drive and collecting a total of 209 units – benefiting up to 627 individuals. Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital has been recognized every year as Premier Blood Partner since the program’s inception.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Premier Blood Partner by the American Red Cross,” said Melissa Lockwood, Chief Administrative Officer of Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital. “This designation reflects the dedication of our team, our community partners, and our donors who share our commitment to saving lives and making a positive impact both locally and nationally.”

A key component of the hospital’s successful blood drive efforts is its partnership with local agencies and schools. Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital partnered with Kingwood Elementary School last year to host a Future Blood Donor Drive, inspiring the next generation of donors and demonstrating the importance of community participation in saving lives.

Additionally, Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital will begin a new collaboration with Preston High School to support students through the American Red Cross High School Scholarship Program. The hospital’s two summer blood drives will continue to be held onsite at Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital but will now be hosted by Preston High School to help students earn scholarship funding.

“We are proud to be a part of the Red Cross’ mission to ensure lifesaving blood is available for hospital patients in need,” said Kim Liston, Community Programs Coordinator, Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital. “Our organization shares the humanitarian value of helping our neighbors, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with local schools to host blood drives that contribute to this vital cause. These partnerships highlight the hospital’s commitment not only to saving lives but also to empowering local students and investing in our community’s future.”

Every day, volunteer blood and platelet donors are needed to save lives. According to the Red Cross, blood and platelets are essential for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and individuals receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital and Kingwood Elementary School will host their next Red Cross blood drive from 12-6 p.m., Feb. 4, at the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department.