November 15, 2002

From left, Stowell with top donors Vivek, Greer, Morton and Bering

MGHers recognized for recognizing the need

There is about a 90 percent chance that a person will require a blood product at some point in his or her life, yet only 5 percent of the eligible population donates blood, according to national surveys on blood donations. These surprising facts were shared at the third annual MGH Employee Blood Donor Recognition Luncheon held Nov. 8 for those who donated four or more times during the 2001 and 2002 fiscal years. More than 160 MGH employees were recognized for donating their blood or platelets.

Kate Grealy, donor services coordinator for the MGH Blood Donor Center, spoke about the importance of donating blood and provided examples of the kinds of patients this gift has helped. For example, a 13-year-old girl recently needed more than 500 units of blood products while undergoing her second liver transplant at the MGH, and a premature baby used more than 50 units during his stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. From left, Stowell with top donors Vivek, Greer, Morton and Bering

Christopher Stowell, MD, PhD, director of MGH Blood Transfusion Services, gave special recognition to the top five donors. These five were Sally Morton, RN, of the Burn Unit, with 26 donations; Jennie Bering, of Clinical Pathology, with 22 donations; Rosemarie McNeil, of the Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Evaluation Center, with 15 donations; Alapakkam Vivek, of Partners Finance, with 12 donations; and James Greer, operations coordinator for Blake 2 and Bigelow 12, also with 12 donations.

"I would like to thank all of you on behalf of our patients for the extra mile you go by donating blood during your busy work week," said Stowell. "We appreciate the support of employees who donate on a regular basis."

Throughout the month of November, the Blood Donor Center is offering employees who donate blood a one-day pass to the Clubs at Charles River Park. During December, all donors can participate in Puppy Pals, where donors are invited to sign a gift card that will be attached to a stuffed puppy and delivered to patients of MassGeneral Hospital for Children during the holiday season.

For more information about donating blood, call the Blood Donor Center at (617) 726-8177.