Faster diagnosis of heart attacks and strokes are just one of the many improvements in the new emergency department at Ascension Saint Thomas West.

Blood donations often lag behind the uptick in need during summer months, as school blood drives are on pause and more people are out of town, Fees said. Monday's drive had a goal of 18 appointments.

A statement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said the federal law would still be enforced, despite the ...