Summa Western Reserve Hospital Blood Drive Breaks Record

broke a collection record and exceeded donor expectations during its “Rumble at the Reserve 2” Blood Drive in collaboration with the American Red Cross on August 25.

The second annual event saw a record turnout of 246 registered donors and 176 usable donations collected this year – surpassing the initiative goal of 173 usable pints. The event also included 78 first-time donors. The American Red Cross also reported that Summa Western Reserve Hospital ranked No. 2 on their top 10 hospital blood drives for the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region this year.

“I am truly impressed with the level of commitment our employees demonstrated at this year’s blood drive,” said Dr. Robert Kent, President and CEO, Summa Western Reserve Hospital. “We set a new record for donations at our hospital but more importantly, we came together for a tremendously vital cause. This beneficial collaboration with the Red Cross really exemplifies our commitment to the community.”

The event featured Summa Western Reserve Hospital’s Departments of Surgery and Medicine squaring off in a mock boxing match for the title to see which department could bring in the most donors. Employees were invited to choose a department to support. Dr. Pat Blakeslee and the Department of Medicine rallied 133 registered donors and Dr. Espinal and the Department of Surgery scored 113. The victors earned an actual title boxing belt as the prize for the win. Last year’s inaugural drive set the stage with a remarkable 124 donors.

“This has been a lot of fun for us, but even more enjoyable is to see our hospital rally behind the Red Cross to help those who truly need the blood on a daily basis,” says Dr. Pat Blakeslee. “Regardless of who won the title, the real champions are our wonderful donors, volunteers and coordinators who truly gave of themselves to set up an amazing event to help so many in need.”

“It’s remarkable to see more and more participation each year,” says Dr. Eric Espinal. “The competition between our departments and the employees that back them has been a truly fun way for all of us to make the most of the day while helping a great cause.”

Each donor received a free Rumble at the Reserve T-shirt and an Edible Arrangements coupon for a free box of 6 pieces of Chocolate Dipped Fruit. Refreshments were also provided. Leading up to the event, several drawings were also held giving employees who registered to donate a chance to win a themed gift basket each week.

The lucky winners were entered to win a BBQ cookout basket, a movie night basket, a car care and free valet parking basket and a “Gourmet Your Way” catered dinner for two.