RAND's 4th annual blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross was another success! A total of 17 donors made up of RAND staff and friends stopped by our office's Central Meeting Space, turned into a blood donation center, last Wednesday and gave 21 units of blood. The Red Cross estimates this blood has the potential to save up to 63 people.
This year, in addition to our 13 whole blood donors, four of our staff (led by RAND's President Stephen Varone) made Power Red (double red cell) donations. Red cells are the most transfused blood component, and certain blood types are often in short supply. Power Red donation is done with a special machine that collects red blood cells and returns plasma and platelets to the donor. This allows donors to safely give two units of red blood cells during one donation.
RAND’s annual blood drive is part of our RAND Gives Back program of volunteering and charitable activities. If you are interested in donating blood, contact the American Red Cross for more information and locations. The need for blood donations is constant, and any contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply.
For more photos from our blood drive, visit our Facebook album.
Thank you to everyone who donated. We look forward to hosting next year's drive!
Isabelle Walsh is RAND's Office Manager and Human Resources Coordinator.
