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The Replenish the Need program was launched at Central Blood Bank in November
2004, as a way of helping local patients in need. In developing the program,
Central Blood Bank wanted to create an environment in which family members and
friends could brighten the lives of their loved ones and their community by
donating blood.
With the help of local hospitals supplied
by Central Blood Bank, blood drives for more than 200 patients resulted in
the collection of more than 12,000 units of blood in the first two years of the
program.
Many times when someone is seriously ill and receiving blood transfusions,
family, friends, and coworkers want to help the patient and their family in some
way. They may provide meals, run errands, help with daily chores, or raise money
to cover unexpected expenses. Sometimes they feel like they just can’t do
enough … other times they feel helpless in light of the patient’s diagnosis.
Participating in Central Blood Bank’s Replenish the Need program is a wonderful
way to brighten the lives of those in need. The program offers friends and
family members the opportunity to show their support and make a difference by
organizing a special blood drive in the patient’s honor.
These special blood drives are held in the patient's community – they may be
held at a place of worship, workplace, school, fire hall, etc. A family
member, friend, or neighbor is asked to serve as a blood drive coordinator and
works closely with Central Blood Bank in planning the recruitment and promotion.
Central Blood Bank produces personalized promotional materials utilizing a photo
of the patient and prepares press releases to be sent to local media.
These special Replenish the Need blood drives brighten lives by allowing family
and friends to wrap their arms around something positive. It directs their care
and concern for the patient into a blood drive event that has a lifesaving
effect within the community. These blood drives help to replenish the community
blood supply from which their family member or friend is depending upon.
Organizing a Replenish the Need blood drive brings a community together to help
brighten and save lives. To find out how you can brighten a life, please
contact:
Marcy Braunstein, Manager, Replenish the Need Program, at 412-209-7067.
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