13 Feb 2017 Conway Regional launches Thank-The-Donor Program

Arkansas Blood Institute and Conway Regional Health Center have teamed up for a unique program that allows blood recipients to thank their blood donors.

Conway Regional Health System is the first hospital in the state to give patients the option to Thank-The-Donor. A green, heart-shaped tag will be attached to blood bags. The transfusion recipient can use the information on the tag to access the website thankthedonor.org on a smart phone, tablet or computer.

The website contains step-by-step instructions on how to send a message of thanks to the blood donor. Through the website, recipients will also have the opportunity to share the thank-you note with staff of Conway Regional Health System and Arkansas Blood Institute. The Conway Regional staff will provide patients with information about Thank-The-Donor during hospital visits, beginning initially with patients transfused in the Short Stay Outpatient Unit (SSOU).

No personal or identifying patient information will be shared without permission from recipient or donor.

“Not all blood recipients will get the chance to meet their donor face-to-face,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute. “Thank-The-Donor breaks through barriers that have previously separated blood recipients and their donors, and offers a new and different way to say ‘thanks!’”

“Blood donations through the Arkansas Blood Institute benefit our patients daily and we are honored to be a part of an initiative that allows recipients to thank those who are responsible for helping save their lives,” said Alan Finley, chief operating officer with Conway Regional Health System. “We commend the Arkansas Blood Institute for introducing such a thoughtful initiative.”

Conway Regional Medical Center and Conway Regional Health & Fitness host quarterly Arkansas Blood Institute blood drives and many donors are employees of the health system.

Every two seconds, someone needs blood. Please join the effort to build an “attitude of gratitude” in the community by giving blood and participating in “Thank the Donor” should you need a blood transfusion.

Arkansas Blood Institute serves 32 hospitals and medical facilities in Arkansas, including Conway Regional Health System and five major Little Rock facilities. Arkansas Blood Institute is a non-profit, independent blood center that relies solely on volunteer donors committed to saving the lives of Arkansans.

Appointments to donate blood aren’t required but can be made by calling 877.340.8777 or visiting arkbi.org.