June 2, 2006

MGH kicks-off Armed Services Blood Donor Month

While many MGHers celebrated the Memorial Day holiday with barbecues, trips to the beach and other fun activities, the MGH Blood Donor Center kicked off the long holiday weekend May 26 with the beginning of Armed Services Blood Donor Month. During the month of June, MGHers are invited to donate blood in honor of veterans and those currently serving in the military. Special "thinking of you" cards will be available for any blood donors to give to loved ones, and signed cards also will be distributed to patients at area Veterans Affairs hospitals.

An added benefit of donating during the armed services drive is that it will help maintain safe blood supplies at the hospital at a time when they are especially needed. During the summer months, the number of blood donations often decreases as people take advantage of vacations and other warm weather activities. This decline sometimes leads to critical blood shortages.

The MGH Blood Donor Center is located in the Gray Lobby and is open for whole blood donations Tuesday through Thursday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and Fridays, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call (617) 726-8177.