January 29, 1999

The recent holiday season took a serious toll on the hospital's blood supply. Under current conditions, one medical emergency could potentially deplete the hospital's supply of blood and blood products.

In December, approximately 7,600 units of blood products were transfused at the MGH. According to Richard Carson, director of Operations for the MGH Blood Donor Center, some Boston-area hospitals don't transfuse that much blood over the course of three years.

"It is extremely important that we keep our blood supply at a safe and adequate level," says Carson. "We would like to encourage employees and visitors to donate blood to help us ensure that our patients get the very best care possible."

The MGH Blood Donor Center is located in the Jackson Lobby. No appointment is necessary. For more information, call 6-8183.