Certificate Of Recognition 
The recognition of the need to practice appropriate utilization of blood, blood products and alternatives is a relatively new phenomenon that has slowly grown over the past twenty years. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, the parent organization of the Jehovah's Witnesses religion, recognized the importance of providing educational assistance to physicians who were willing to treat their members without blood transfusion early in the 1980's. Initial, informal efforts at education and communication were given structure in 1988 with the introduction of the Hospital Information Services branch of the Watchtower in Brooklyn, New York. Congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses developed local Hospital Liaison Committees consisting of well-informed lay persons who could answer a physician's questions regarding acceptable treatments for Jehovah's Witnesses, provide relevant literature and facilitate access to experienced physicians for consultation. This group of individuals rapidly became one of the primary sources of information regarding transfusion alternatives to the medical community. Over the years, the HIS has provided collated books of medical literature, focused publications, videotaped presentations and support for conferences worldwide to all who have asked for help. Their tireless efforts have been accomplished with grace, dignity, respect for all and an overriding sense of the importance of human life. Without their help, none of us who practice in the field of blood management would be where we are today. It is with great pleasure and most humble thanks that the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management presents this award as a Pioneer in Blood Management to the men and women of the Hospital Information Services of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Presented To With Acknowledgment SABM For your Pioneering Efforts in the Field of September 2002
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