Skip to contents
In This Issue:
Jim Gosnell has donated 100 units of blood.
In the past 23 years, Jim Gosnell, BSN, RN, has donated a total of 100 units of blood at the BWH Blood Donor Center. That’s enough blood to help more than 500 infants.
“His life has quite literally flowed into others,” said Dylan MacDonagh, recruiter for the BWH Blood Donor Center. “Countless patients, friends and families have unknowingly had their lives touched by Jim’s selflessness. In short, he is a true hero.”
Gosnell, a clinical research nurse in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Management, began donating blood regularly even before he began working at the Brigham in 1986. “I started donating at an early age,” said the retired lieutenant colonel, a 33-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. “When they found out I was type O-negative, it seemed like everybody wanted me.”
That’s because O-negative is the universal blood type that can be transfused to any patient. And once Gosnell learned that the blood he donates at BWH could be given to babies, there was no stopping him.
One in every three individuals will require a blood transfusion during their lifetime. Patients treated for cancer, newborns and trauma victims are just a few examples of those who rely on blood donations from healthy volunteers. Donors provide the only source of blood for patients who need transfusions and the demand is almost always greater than the supply.
Gosnell said donating blood takes little time and energy. “It’s a small effort that benefits a large community and it just helps people,” he said.
He plans to continue donating for as long as he can. “It’s nice to say, ‘Wow, I’ve donated 100 units at Brigham and Women’s.’ It’s definitely a milestone, but I can do more,” he said.
Walk-ins are welcome at the Blood Donor Center on the Nesson Pike Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 617-732-6620.