April 5, 2002

This April marks a major milestone for the MGH Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) — it is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The celebration began with a cake-cutting ceremony April 1 and will continue throughout the month with an information display in the Main Corridor through April 12 and a gala celebration April 27. Also, all donors who give blood during the month will receive a special commemorative T-shirt.

When the BTS opened in 1942 under the direction of Lamar Soutter, MD, it represented several "firsts." It was the first hospital-based blood bank in Boston; Soutter was the first director; and he was the first official blood donor at the hospital. Soutter was an early proponent of storing plasma in preparation for a possible civilian disaster. He didn't get much support in his efforts, however, and the BTS had to raise its own money to sustain itself.

In November 1942, the MGH Blood Bank, as it was then called, saved many lives by supplying blood products to the 114 people who were rushed to the MGH following the famous Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire in Boston. The fire and the hospital's response to the tragedy proved the service's worth beyond any doubt.

To ensure the availability of blood and plasma, Soutter instituted an aggressive campaign to recruit donors — an action that proved visionary. During the first month of operation, the BTS performed 150 transfusions. Today, the BTS handles more than 5,000 transfusions each month. To help meet the continuous need for blood, donor recruitment has become a vital part of the BTS.

In the past few years the Blood Donor Center, which is the part of BTS that accepts blood donors and processes the blood donations, has held many events to attract new donors and to thank those who are committed to donating blood regularly. The center has hosted ice cream sundae socials, pizza parties, employee challenges and T-shirt giveaways. The MGH now has a strong group of loyal employee donors who help the hospital meet the blood needs of patients not only at the MGH but also at Mass Eye and Ear, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Shriners Burns Hospital. In addition, the BTS now has two bloodmobiles that visit area businesses, schools and community groups to collect donations.

Meeting the blood needs of the MGH and these hospitals still isn't easy. "The MGH transfuses the most units of blood in the region and is one of the largest programs in the country," explains Kimberly Cronin, manager of Donor Recruitment. "Although we are collecting almost 16,000 units of blood a year, we still need to purchase blood from outside sources such as the American Red Cross to make up the difference between what we collect and what we need."

The MGH spends millions of dollars every year on blood and blood products. "Donations have been increasing, but the need is ongoing," says Cronin. "Despite all of the advancements that have been made, nothing has replaced the need for individuals to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life."

To make an appointment to donate blood, call the Blood Donor Center at (617) 724-9699.

Christopher Stowell, MD, PhD, director of the BTS, cuts the anniversary cake.