For Release Upon Receipt                                       July 19, 2000


Sharon Regional accredited by American Association of Blood Banks


Sharon Regional Health System's Transfusion Service has been granted accreditation by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), according to Donald L. Cohen, M.D., pathologist and director of Sharon Regional's laboratories.

Accreditation follows and intensive on-site assessment by specialty trained representatives of the association and establishes that the level of medical, technical and administrative performance within the facility meets or exceeds the standards set by the AABB. By successfully meeting those requirements, Sharon Regional joins more than 2,000 similar facilities across the U.S. and abroad that have earned AABB accreditation.

"The association's accreditation procedures are voluntary," said Dr. Cohen. "Sharon Regional sought accreditation because this program assists facilities around the country in achieving excellence by promoting a level of professional and medical expertise that contributes to quality performance."