Boone Memorial Hospital (BMH) has scheduled its next blood drive for Friday, June 21st. The drive will be held on the second floor at Boone Memorial Hospital with registration starting in the Learning Resource Center and blood draws held just down the hall in the conference room.
“The Red Cross used to bring the mobile unit, however, we have found that having the drive indoors is a little less hectic for us mainly due to limited space and parking issues. It also tends to create a more comfortable setting for our donors,” says Karlie Price, marketing and public relations director at BMH. “We have held the last few drives indoors and they have worked out very well. We have met or exceeded goal at every drive thus far.”
Much of this success can be attributed to the hospital’s ongoing commitment to support the American Red Cross.
“We try to sponsor at least three drives a year,” says Tommy Mullins, CEO at BMH. “I feel it’s a really important cause and one we should support as much as possible, especially as a healthcare facility.”
Mullins says he personally gives blood at the drives.
“I honestly can’t remember a time when Mr. Mullins hasn’t given blood. The only reason he may not give is if he’s out of town. I think it’s a great example to fellow employees, many of which who also give,” says Price.
The Red Cross is urging individuals to give as there is a shortage of blood at this time. To register to give at the BMH Blood Drive simply follow these steps:
1) Visit: www.redcrossblood.org
2) Scroll down to the “Find a Blood Drive Near You” tab located on the left-hand side
3) Enter zip code 25130
4) Click on the Boone Memorial Hospital Drive and Register
Some Facts About Blood
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
More than 44,000 blood donations are needed every day.
A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S. (2006).
The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.
The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.
The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.
Sickle cell disease affects more than 80,000 people in the U.S., 98 percent of whom are African American. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.
More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.
For more information about the BMH Blood Drive contact event coordinator, Karlie Belle Price at 304-369-1230 x431 or kprice@bmh.org.
