The Central Blood Bank -- supplier of blood to 40 medical centers, including all of Allegheny County's hospitals --- will announce an initiative today to recruit additional blood donors.
"Brighten Life" is described as a donor-loyalty program that will create "an emotional and rewarding bond between donors and local recipients in need of transfusions," the blood bank said in a statement. Those enrolled will be asked to donate four times a year.
"Despite tremendous medical advancements, there is no artificial substitute for blood," said Judi Matok, the blood bank's vice president and chief operating officer. "Only the generosity of volunteer donors can ensure blood is available when patients need it."
Officials will discuss the program at 11 a.m. in the West Club Lounge of Heinz Field on the North Shore.
More than 200,000 units of whole blood are needed annually to meet the demands of area patients. Local blood donors account for about 170,000 units of blood a year. Demand is especially high for those with Type O blood, which can be transfused with any other type, making it especially useful in trauma care.
Arrangements for donations can be made by calling 1-866-DONORS1, or through www.centralbloodbank.org. Donors living east of Pittsburgh can contact the Greater Alleghenies Region of American Red Cross Blood Services at 1-800-GIVE LIFE, or 800-448-3543, or www.redcrosslife.org.
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