October 1, 1999

Bill Dignan of MGH Buildings and Grounds has been donating blood for more than 30 years. So it is no surprise that he has given 144 units or 18 gallons of blood to the MGH Blood Donor Center. Dignan, along with more than 90 other MGH employees, recently were honored for their generosity at a special appreciation luncheon Sept. 24.

Presented by the MGH Blood Donor Center, the luncheon recognized MGHers who have donated more than 20 units of blood over the years. "We wanted to honor our own employees who not only give so much of themselves every day in their jobs but also go beyond that to donate blood for our patients," said Richard Carson, operations manager of the MGH Blood Donor Center.

Each donor had a particular reason for donating blood on a regular basis. Noted as the highest donor at the luncheon, Dignan credits the start of his habit to his days in the military. "In 1966, when I was in Okinawa, we all donated blood," he said. "And I'll never forget what the guy who took our donations always said to us: 'There is no reason why anyone should die because of lack of a blood supply.'"

A common theme that ran throughout the luncheon is that, working in a hospital setting, MGHers understand more than most the importance of donating blood. "As hospital workers, we are reminded daily of the need for blood products," said Christopher Stowell, MD, PhD, director of the MGH Blood Transfusion Service and guest speaker at the luncheon. "At the MGH, standards are high. Not only is competence expected, but excellence is assumed. So it is no surprise that this group of employees goes even further than expected by donating their own blood."

Carolyn Tamer of MGH Urology, who also was in the top 10 donors with 86 units, confirms her commitment to donating because of the work she does in Stoma Services. "It isn't a difficult choice," she says. "I have been here at the hospital for 36 years, and there has always been a need for blood. I recognize my part in making sure that we have a good supply."

Theresa Gallivan, RN, associate chief nurse, spoke at the luncheon on behalf of Patient Care Services. "We are providing care to more patients, and those patients are more acutely ill, requiring more intervention and blood products than ever before," she said. "I am in awe of the commitment to patients demonstrated by MGH employees, and all of you who take that commitment one step further with your priceless donations. You are an inspiration to us all."

Kimberly Kent of MGH Blood Transfusion Services receives a certificate at the MGH Blood Donation Appreciation Luncheon.