Giving blood is perhaps one of the most precious gifts a person can give, especially in these difficult times. Sadly, the need for blood often outweighs the supply. In fact, one statistic that really brings it home for me is that 87 percent of us will need donated blood at some point in our lives, yet only five percent of Americans donate. Here in Rochester, only four percent of the eligible public donates.
That is why I have joined a number of community leaders on the American Red Cross Leadership for LIFE SHARE Council to help encourage others to donate blood. I urge the College community to join me and my wife Kate in helping to alleviate our community’s blood shortage by participating in a blood drive on April 11 on the Brighton Campus.
The blood drive will be held in the gymnasium between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Those who wish to participate must make an appointment by either calling 292-2496 or by emailing HYPERLINK "mailto:bcsga@monroecc.edu" bcsga@monroecc.edu.
If for some reason you are unable to donate on April 11, you can always contact the American Red Cross (241-4400) to make an appointment at any of their blood collection locations.
With an aging population and fewer donors, the need for donated blood in our community is great. Giving blood is safe, it’s easy and by giving up just 15 minutes of your time, the pint of blood you donate can save as many as three lives. Please join Kate and me in doing our part to close the gap on the supply of this precious resource.
Sincerely,
R. Thomas Flynn
President
Mark Sommer
College and Community Relations
04/03/2003 |