Give With Heart: VA Providence Blood Drive Supports Lifesaving Care and Heart Health Awareness
By Justyn Charon, Public Affairs Specialist
Giving blood saves lives, and at VA Providence, it also created an opportunity to connect service with heart health awareness.
During American Heart Month, Veterans, employees and community members gathered for the Give with Heart Blood Drive, turning a simple act of donation into a meaningful show of collective impact.
Hosted at VA Providence in partnership with the Rhode Island Blood Center, the blood drive supported hospitals and patients throughout Rhode Island. Each donation contributed to emergency care, surgeries and treatments that rely on a steady and safe blood supply.
The event also aligned with VA Providence’s Go Red initiative by sharing Women’s Heart Health Awareness information. Participants learned that heart disease remains the leading health threat facing women and that prevention, education and early action play a critical role in improving outcomes.
“Events like this show how service and awareness can go hand in hand,” said Jennifer Koziol, Voluntary Program Specialist, who coordinated the blood drive. “Donors were able to help save lives while also learning how heart health affects Veterans, families and communities.”
Throughout the day, donors represented a wide cross-section of the VA community. Veterans gave blood alongside employees and local partners, reinforcing the shared mission that connects care, service and community responsibility.
VA Providence leaders noted that the success of the event reflects the power of collaboration. Partnerships with organizations like the Rhode Island Blood Center allow VA facilities to extend their impact beyond campus while strengthening ties to the communities they serve.
The Give with Heart Blood Drive served as both a lifesaving effort and a reminder of the role prevention and awareness play in overall well-being. Each donation represented more than a unit of blood—it reflected compassion, commitment and care for others.
Veterans, employees and community members interested in volunteering or future donation opportunities may visit