A Powerful Pint: Giving the Gift of Life
On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, members of the Einstein community will again have the opportunity to participate in our Spring Blood Drive, held in coordination with the New York Blood Center (NYBC). It will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Lubin Dining Hall (in the Block Building).
Einstein’s next blood drive will take place on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in the Lubin Dining Hall
Since January 2018 (and with the exception of 2020 and 2021, due to COVID-19), nearly 400 donors at Einstein have registered to give blood, helping annually to replenish the dearth of blood supply in the metropolitan New York area. Our goal for this year is 100 donors.
“Our community members have consistently stepped up to provide much-needed blood resources,” said Cassandra Jean-Baptiste, director of employee relations and blood drive chair. “We’re hoping to continue that tradition on May 16. Just one pint of blood represents a gift of life for up to three people.”
Why Give Blood?
The gift of a blood donation can be used to help people of all ages and cultures who suffer a traumatic injury, require surgery, organ transplant, or cancer treatment, or may be battling blood disease. Unfortunately, the current blood supply needed to help such individuals is below the demand for it. We need blood donors to help our healthcare professionals to help those in need.
Our Spring Blood Drive offers such an opportunity. You can register here or by scanning the QR code on promotional materials around campus. While walk-ins are welcome, it’s helpful to the NYBC staff if you can register, so they can be prepared to get you set up and then on your way in a timely manner.
If you’re on the fence about donating, consider these facts from the American Red Cross:
- Every two seconds, there is someone in need of a blood transfusion or platelets
- One in three people will need blood at some time during their lives
- If only 1 percent more of Americans donated at a blood drive, blood shortages would disappear.
How You Can Help
Whether a student, postdoc, staff or faculty member, or a hospital associate, we each can make a difference by registering to donate blood. Healthy adults, age 17 or older and 110 pounds or more, are eligible to give blood.
If you’re concerned that you may not be up to it, following are some valuable insights offered by some of Einstein’s experienced donors that may help:
- Bring a colleague, lab mate, mentor, or friend for moral support
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids the day before you donate, and after your donation.
- Keep yourself occupied during the process.
- Before you head out after you’ve finished, remember to take advantage of the free juice and snacks offered. You’ve “lost” a pint of blood and can benefit from the energy boosting treats!
“As a special thank you, each donor will receive a $5 voucher to use in our Einstein Café, along Main Street in Forchheimer,” noted Sheri. For additional information, please contact her at sheri.robertson@einsteinmed.edu or call 718-430-3771.
Posted on: Thursday, April 20, 2023