August 16, 2002

The MGH Blood Donor Center is gearing up for the kickoff of MGH Employee Appreciation Weeks, Aug. 19 through Sept. 6. The three-week long series of events is an opportunity for the Blood Donor Center to thank MGH employees for their ongoing dedication to the blood donation program. Employee donors are especially needed during summer months when blood supplies are at their lowest.

Many activities are planned, including a pancake breakfast Aug. 19 and a pizza party Sept. 4 and 5. The Blood Donor Center will host a blood donor carnival Aug. 26 during which all donors can indulge in treats such as cotton candy and snow cones. Other "appreciation" activities throughout the weeks include free massages, a coupon giveaway for a free pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and a raffle for free movie passes or a team autographed New England Revolution T-shirt. In addition, an ice cream sundae bar will be available for all CNY employee donors when the Blood Donor Center's bloodmobile visits Sept. 25.

Bridget McDonagh (below, right) of MGH Administration, a frequent blood donor

In past years, the MGH has joined with BWH in a friendly challenge to achieve the most blood donations. Although the two hospitals are foregoing the formal challenge this year, Kate Grealy of the MGH Blood Donor Center hopes the MGH can rise to the challenge of meeting or exceeding the number of donations from past challenges. "Our employees are the most supportive group to our blood donor program here at the hospital," says Grealy. "We hope they will show us once again how committed they are to ensuring all of the patients who need blood will get it."

In 2000, the Blood Donor Center received 387 blood donations from employees during the three-week period. The center was well on its way to exceeding that number last year when the challenge came to an abrupt halt because of the events of Sept. 11.

MGHers are encouraged to make an appointment to donate during the Appreciation Weeks, a time when many regular donors will be on vacation and the Massachusetts blood supply will be at a critically low level. All employees who give blood during this time will receive a special T-shirt.

For more information about the events or to schedule an appointment, call (617) 726-8177.