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Find out about Arizona events.

Two weeks ago, I took a quick drive up the 51 to attend the United Blood Services Valentines for Life luncheon at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa. The event honored blood drive coordinators for saving lives in 2009.

My presence at the pre-Valentine’s Day event  — minus the temporary heart tattoo I’d hoped to have transplanted for the occasion — was two-fold:

1. Take pictures of a private meeting between Gerald Kroum and the woman he helped save six years ago by donating blood — Kroum, a Corpus Christi parishioner, regularly donates blood when the parish invites United Blood Services to set up camp in its parking lot. Look for the full story in the March 4 issue of The Catholic Sun.
2. 

   Fran Lozon is a "hero" to United Blood Services. Notice the red "superhero" cape? She helped coordinate seven blood drives at St. Jseoph Hospital and Medical Center last year. Exactly 473 donors showed up. Click image to host your own drive.

   Take pictures of staff from St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center — The staff was among 22 organizations statewide that earned the prestigious Hero Award. It’s based on outstanding leadership in blood drive coordination and awarded based on points for things like hosting drives during difficult times, reaching goals and holding internal recognition events for donors.

What I wasn’t tipped off to was how many more Catholic organizations and parishes earned a mention in the event program.

Exactly 1,727 organizations held blood drives in Arizona last year according to the program. Nearly 225 of them earned printed recognition for their efforts and results.

Like Olympic medals, the awards were given in bronze, silver and gold categories with a bonus platinum level thrown in.

Check your parish for this new awareness sticker to see if it hosts blood drives

Some of the 79 bronze awards went to:

• Blessed Sacrament Parish (it doesn’t specify if that’s in Scottsdale or Tolleson)
• Holy Spirit Parish in Tempe
• Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Scottsdale
• Knights of Columbus at St. Anne Parish in Gilbert
• St. Bernadette Parish in Scottsdale
• St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in Cave Creek
• St. Thomas More Parish in Glendale

Of the 62 silver awards, some went to:

• St. John Vianney Parish (again, whether that’s Goodyear or Sedona is a mystery)
• St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Gilbert

Catholic groups didn’t earn a gold award, but St. Helen Parish in Glendale earned a platinum award.

If you’re interested in donating blood — it’s recommended three times per year — check with one of these parishes to see when the next one is or schedule an appointment at another location. You’ll find other information including qualifications, the process and FAQs there as well.