The American Red Cross Bluestem Chapter was named the Central Plains Region Blood Services Chapter of the Year at the chapter’s annual meeting May 13. Nearly 30 people attended the dinner and ceremony held in the Wiedemann Building at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado.

“Lynette is a well-respected community leader and her commitment to the Blood Services program is exceptional,” said Bev Kerbs, Blood Services donor recruitment representative. “Her service, and that of her volunteers, is invaluable to the Red Cross and the hospital patients we serve. The Bluestem Chapter is very deserving of this honor.”

The Bluestem Chapter, under the leadership of Chapter Director Lynette Greene, has been instrumental in staffing volunteers and hosting successful blood drives six times per year in El Dorado. These blood drives account for more than 800 pints of lifesaving blood each year.

Greene works closely with El Dorado blood drive coordinators, Ramona Clanton and Melva Lincicome, to ensure every detail is covered and attends every planning meeting. She attends every planning meeting and often attends the blood drives to help out wherever needed. She has even been known to help load and unload the blood drive trucks.

“This award belongs to the volunteers,” said Greene. “It is the volunteers who make our blood program and our chapter successful.”

“We are extremely thankful to the Bluestem Chapter and Lynette for all their hard work and volunteer service. Dedicated volunteers and blood donors are what make the Red Cross the wonderful organization it is today,” Kerbs said.