Ohio University, Athens Communities Respond to Plea for Blood
Contact: Tia Trivision, Manager of Marketing and PR for Clinic Services, at (740) 593-9572
ATHENS, Ohio (September 28, 2000) -- Nearly 300 people turned out Tuesday and Wednesday to support the University Osteopathic Medical Center (UOMC) and OU Athletics' special American Red Cross Blood Drive in the Convocation Center Concourse. According to UOMC Marketing Manager, Tia Trivison, "I am so excited to report that, thanks to the phenomenal team effort including help from 20 volunteers, and food and prizes from local businesses, we exceeded our original goal of 220 pints by collecting 245 pints of blood!"
The American Red Cross reports that their national inventory of blood is 20% below critical levels. The Central Ohio Red Cross Blood Services Region, which includes 27 counties serving 54 hospitals (Athens county and the two hospitals, O'Bleness Memorial and Doctors Hospital of Nelsonville, are within this area), has seen a steady increase in demand for blood over the last four months, outpacing donations. The Region must collect 500 pints of blood each day to keep these hospitals stocked with enough blood to cover patient needs. This week's blood drives on campus covered one quarter of their daily need each. In addition, Red Cross officials report that many donors with type O blood, the universal blood type, and many first time donors came out to this blood drive.
"The blood drive at the convocation center this week was one of the largest drives to take place in Athens county in several years," said Sandra Shiree, Executive Director of the Athens County Chapter of the Red Cross. Trivison added, "Another rewarding feature of our blood drive was being able to provide a sumptuous canteen refreshment area featuring great food from Avalanche Pizza, Courtside Pizza, Miller's Chicken, Mistretta's Italian Market, Papa Johns Pizza, Perk's Coffee House and Roastery, Seven Sauces, Tomatillo's Restaurant, and W.G. Grinders. Also, 99 lucky donors were winners in the raffle with prizes provided through the generosity of Athens Flower Shop, College Bookstore, Cross Court Gifts, FrogNet, Little Professor Book Center, OU Athletics, OU-COM Tropical Disease Institute, The Uptown Dog, Therapeutic Touch, and WellWorks. These gifts, in addition to the good feeling one gets when helping someone else, were special ways to thank donors for taking the time to give blood.
Donors also appreciated the opportunity to meet Randy Norris, voted Athens' favorite DJ, from WXTQ Radio Power 105 FM, who was broadcasting live from the Convo each day to keep the blood flowing.
The American Red Cross, University Osteopathic Medical Center and OU Athletics extend their sincerest thanks to all who supported the blood drive.
