United Presbyterian Home: Blood drive garners eight units of blood

By Carol Greiner

The Mississippi Valley Blood Mobile collected eight units of blood on Thursday, Jan. 21, with a blood drive hosted by the United Presbyterian Home Wellness Center. Those eight units have the ability to improve the lives of up to 32 patients and their families both in Washington County and the surrounding region. There was also one amazing first time donor, which is always critically important to the continued sustainability of the community blood supply.

UPH residents were treated to a private viewing of 'I Can Only Imagine” at the State Theater Tuesday afternoon. This 2018 movie starring J. Michael Finley as Bart Millard, portrays a physically and emotionally abused boy at the hands of his alcoholic father. When Bart's father, played by Dennis Quaid, becomes terminally ill, the father and son find a way to reconnect through faith and a newfound love.

As the lead singer in the MercyMe band, Bart later writes the number one Christian single of all time, 'I Can Only Imagine,” which becomes the basis for the movie.

Barb Bender, Jean Cousins, Jean Frazer, Cathy Kleese, Kathy Knutson, Lucy Landon, Barb Leeper, Marj Lins, Dick and Charlotte Magdefrau, Jan McDaniel, Jana Nieman, Mary Oviatt, Bonnie Richardson, and Gwen Ying report that it was nice to get out to an event like this and be comfortable in the surroundings. One resident commented that it was a nice break from Amazon Prime.

The second dose of COVID-19 vaccine went into the arms of Health Center residents and staff on Tuesday. We look forward to the day that all independent residents wanting the vaccine will be able to get it. Just one more step toward a pandemic-free world.