Husband, father in critical condition after accident on Three Springs Road

Sunday, August 01, 2004

As Chris Howell fights for his life in a Vanderbilt University Medical Center, his co-workers at Greenwood Ford are doing more than just hope for his recovery.

The dealership will hold a blood drive Monday in honor of Howell, a parts specialist who was seriously injured in a car accident July 23 on Three Springs Road.

The blood drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at Greenwood Ford, 3075 Scottsville Road, parts manager Nick Heil said. The blood will be banked by the American Red Cross.

Were trying to show support for his family because of the intense emotional nature of what theyre going through, said Heil, Howells supervisor. Were behind him 100 percent. And the Red Cross always needs blood, especially in the summer, so there should be an abundance of extra units to put in the Red Cross.

Howell, who lives in Bowling Green, has a wife, Jamie, and a 4-year-old son, Treyton. Heil said the blood drive is being held with Howells family in mind.

Chris has worked (at Greenwood Ford) for five years, Heil said. He is a solid associate and does a great job for us.

Howell was traveling home from work when an oncoming vehicle crossed the center line, hitting his car and causing both vehicles to leave the road. Both drivers were taken to The Medical Center, but Howell was then life-flighted by helicopter to Vanderbilt, where he remained in critical condition in the trauma unit Friday afternoon after surgery, according to hospital spokesman Jerry Jones. The driver of the other vehicle was treated and released from The Medical Center.

Due to patient confidentiality, Jones could not comment on what kind of surgery Howell underwent Friday or the doctors outlook on his condition.

Theyve been putting him back together one piece at a time for the past few days, Heil said.

Ginger Sweatt, an office manager at Greenwood Ford, said Howells accident has hit home for many employees.

We expect about a 75 percent participation rate from our employees in this blood drive, she said.

Greenwood Ford invites the public to help Howell by participating in the blood drive as well. To give, you must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and not given blood within the past 56 days. There is no upper age limit, but you must bring a drivers license or a Red Cross blood donor card.

Since Howell had no disability insurance, Greenwood Ford is raising money for him and his family as well. Many associates have donated cash, and more have committed to contributing a certain number of hours pay to Howell each pay period.

Heil said the dealership will also raffle off donated tickets to the Sharpie 500 NASCAR race. The winner will be notified Aug. 25 if they win the prize two tickets and $100 cash. It costs $15 per ticket to enter the raffle.  Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700