Patient satisfaction award

BANGOR – St. Joseph Hospital is the recipient of Avatar International Inc.’s 2003 Five Star National Service Award for Exceeding Patient Expectations.

Avatar International Inc. is a research, consulting and training firm that conducts patient satisfaction surveys. According to Avatar’s data, patients using the services provided by St. Joseph Hospital have higher expectations than any other U.S. hospital with 100 to 150 beds.

Sister Mary Norberta, president and chief executive officer of St. Joseph Healthcare said, “St. Joseph Healthcare continually strives to improve health access, cost, quality and patient satisfaction. This award reinforces our commitment to these goals and clearly tells us that we are fulfilling our mission.”

Diabetes support group

BANGOR – A free diabetes support group sponsored by St. Joseph Healthcare will host guest speaker Jake Nelson, Bayer Healthcare diabetes specialist, at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at the Diabetes and Nutrition Center, Building 1, St. Joseph Healthcare Park, 900 Broadway. His topic will be “Know Your Healthy Steps: A Walking Program.” Call 262-1836 to obtain information.

Blood drive

BANGOR – A blood drive will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at Affiliated Healthcare Mall on Union Street. All blood donations made through the Eastern Maine Medical Center blood donor program stay in Maine. Walk-in donors are welcome. Donors must meet FDA eligibility requirements, and must provide a photo ID.