Sign Up Today to Give Life

By Donna Marquess, MA, MT(ASCP), SBB
Manager, Blood Bank
LifeBridge Health

Did you know that patients at LifeBridge Health used over 26,000 blood products in 2008? Patients in oncology, trauma services, orthopedics, and pediatrics require blood transfusions every day. With summer quickly approaching, let's do our part to avoid blood shortages and ensure that our patients' needs are met. LifeBridge Health has collected 118 units of blood to date in 2009, about 21 percent of our goal this year. Can you help us collect the remaining 432 units needed to reach our goal this year?

The need has never been greater - the Greater Chesapeake and Potomac region has been suffering from an unusually low donor turnout during the first 12 days of May. With just 9 days until Memorial Day weekend the community blood supply is not well positioned to begin the summer months, our most challenging season.

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Northwest Hospital in Randallstown on Friday, May 22, in the Education Conference Rooms, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. To set up an appointment in advance, call the Blood Bank at 410-521-5926 or click here.

The second drive will be held at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore on Friday, May 29 in Zamoiski Auditorium, from 7 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. To set up an appointment in advance, call the Blood Bank at 410-601-5112 or click here.

All donors will receive a gift at the upcoming drives! Bring a new donor with you for an extra prize. Most importantly, remember, by donating one pint of blood, you can help save three lives!