Skip to contents
In This Issue:
As part of BWH’s BluePrint celebration, BWH Bulletin features this special section to explore the past, present and future of the institution. Throughout 2013, you’ll find a new fun fact, story, photo or tradition in each issue of Bulletin. You can also find information about BluePrint, including a tool kit, milestones and events, at BWHPikeNotes.org/BluePrint. Questions? Email BWHBluePrint@partners.org.
A Look Back in Time: BWH’s First Blood Drive
Blood mobile driver Andre Seale enjoys a warm afternoon during a recent Copley Square blood drive.
BWH Bulletin took a trip through BWH's digital publication archives to find an instance of the past repeating itself at BWH and a reminder of the importance of giving.
The Sept. 1980 issue of Inside Brigham and Women's-described as a "monthly bulletin published for employees, medical staff, corporation members, trustees, campaign workers and auxilians"-celebrated the success of BWH's first blood drive, which was held Aug. 5 and 6, 1980, at the hospital. The publication reads: "Despite the 90-degree heat and scheduled vacations, 132 employees registered for the first Brigham and Women's blood drive . . . on the heels of an urgent appeal for blood from the Red Cross." The drive collected an impressive 119 pints of blood.
Flash forward 33 years, and the lives of many BWH patients continue to rely on the generosity of blood and platelet donors. Amid the current regional blood shortage, the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital is hosting several blood drives this month, and the blood mobile is traveling the city to collect donations. One recent daylong visit to Copley Square drew 30 blood donors, along with praise about the location's convenience and significance, given its proximity to the site of the Boston Marathon finish line.
Since blood has a limited shelf life, volunteer donors are critical to ensuring there will be a sufficient supply of blood for the patients who need it, when they need it. A single blood donation, which takes about an hour, directly benefits BWH and DFCI patients. The donor center is working closely with Boston Parks and Recreation and the Boston Public Library to spread the word and create meaningful partnerships centered on blood donation.
To learn more about scheduling an appointment or sponsoring the blood mobile, email blooddonor@partners.org, or call 617-632-3206.
Comments
Email Address:
Subject:
Comment: {Please limit your charaters to 300}