A Washington business is gearing up to celebrate Home Health and Hospice Month come November.

Kindred at Home, a Washington hospice care company, is kicking off the month with its first blood drive at First Christian Church on Nov. 6.

“Every year, we try to do something to give back to the community. That’s where our business comes from. We’d really like to do something that could benefit more people,” said Susan Cox, who is organizing the blood drive.

Cox said the company always tries to celebrate the month, and it’s done so in the past by sponsoring open houses and providing meals for the community, but this is the first time it’s held a blood drive to celebrate. She said organizers are excited, but nervous.

“It’s a little stressful since I’ve never done a blood drive before. I’m hoping we have a good turn out. It’s kind of like giving a party. You hope people show. I’m real excited, but a little antsy,” Cox said.

Cox said Home Health and Hospice Month represents two different entities, but all fall under the mission to provide at-home services to those in need.

“Home health is skilled professional services that go into the home — nurses and therapy people, and then, hospice of course is usually seen as end of life care,” Cox said.

Community Home Care and Hospice, Amedisys Inc. and AseraCare Hospice will all take part in the event, as well. Cox said by the addition of these companies, it turns the blood drive into a two-pronged idea — to collect blood, but also inform residents about the hospice and home services available to them in the area.

The American Red Cross will be there, helping with the event, and all of the blood will go directly to them. Cox said the Red Cross have set their goal at 14 pints of blood.

“(The goal) is a little low because it’s our first time. But we’re hoping to bust that number to the wall. We want to make sure we get over that,” Cox said.

The blood drive is on Nov. 6 from 3-7 p.m. at First Church of Christ, 520 E. 10^th St., Washington.