Clinch Valley Health along with the Registered Phlebotomy Technicians (RPTs) of American Medical Technologists (AMT) will be observing National Phlebotomists Recognition Week (NPRW), February 12-16, 2024. Since 1992, RPTs and others in the healthcare community have honored the vital role and professional excellence that phlebotomists provide in the delivery of healthcare to patients. The 2024 theme, “Phlebotomists, Drawn to Help Others” emphasizes their commitment as a vital member of the healthcare team.

Clinch Valley Health CEO Peter Mulkey said, “We want to take this opportunity to thank all the phlebotomists that we work with daily and recognize the vital role they play in maintaining patient health and promoting lab efficiency and effectiveness.”

Phlebotomists certified by AMT as RPTs must pass an exam and have the required education and experience to receive this professional certification. A phlebotomist is a multi-skilled professional who combines clinical and administrative responsibilities to draw blood from a patient for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research.

Phlebotomists collect blood primarily by performing venipunctures or, for collection of minute quantities of blood, finger sticks. Administrative duties include accurately preparing, coding, and organizing blood samples for analysis. “Phlebotomists provide an invaluable service to both the patient and the healthcare providers in the community. We recognize their dedication to the profession and to the industry,” says Kathy Cilia, MT(AMT), CAE, AMT Executive Director.

The American Medical Technologists is a nationally recognized nonprofit certification agency and professional membership association representing more than 100,000 individuals in allied health professions. Since 1939, AMT has been helping its members meet the challenges of their professions and fostering their professional and personal growth. Besides Medical Assistants and Medical Administrative Specialists, AMT certifies the following: Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Molecular Diagnostics Technologists, Dental Assistants, Phlebotomy Technicians, Patient Care Technicians, Medical Laboratory Assistants, Allied Health Instructors & Laboratory Consultants.

About Clinch Valley Health: For more than 85 years, Clinch Valley Health has been an integral part of the lives of people throughout southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia. Our 175-bed acute care hospital offers a range of inpatient and outpatient services including medical and radiation oncology services, specialty care for the heart, lungs and vascular system, cardiac catheterization lab, 24-hour emergency services, physical rehabilitation, sleep studies, skilled nursing, pediatrics & obstetrics, an advanced wound care center, and advanced diagnostics. For more information, please visit ClinchValleyHealth.com.