By Linda Goss
Why should you donate blood? Simply because it’s an
opportunity to do something amazing: save the life of another
person.
Time and again, UCLA patients marvel that complete strangers
will choose to spend an hour of their time to donate blood for
people that they will likely never meet. Those dedicated blood
donors understand the importance of their contribution to patient
care.
Unfortunately, their dedication is often not enough.
During the summer months when students and families take
vacations, the blood supply at UCLA and throughout Southern
California is at critically low levels that can significantly
impact patient care.
Patients continue to be hospitalized, and they count on UCLA to
provide them with the very best care. This includes the
availability of blood for transfusion.
One of those patients is Alyssa Gomez, a bright and vivacious
14-year-old girl who requires numerous blood transfusions in her
fight against leukemia. She and her parents endure the rigors of
cancer treatment with smiles, looking forward to the day when this
lovely teenager can continue pursuing her dreams.
Yet without the benefits of state-of-the-art care and the
availability of blood for transfusion, their dream will never be
realized.
Alyssa told us, “You don’t know how important
donating blood is until you’re sick.” Those who can
never find the time or are put off by the thought of donating blood
should meet Alyssa.
By donating blood, you can do something amazing for Alyssa and
the many UCLA patients like her who require nearly 100,000 units of
blood each year as part of their medical care.
Come visit us and help to ensure an adequate blood supply
throughout the summer months for all of our patients.
Our nurses have decades of experience drawing blood and will
make your experience at the UCLA Blood & Platelet Center
fantastic!
All donors will receive a movie ticket. UCLA employees will
receive four hours of “blood time” for donating.
Also, beginning July 5, all donors will walk out, ready for
summer in a pair of UCLA Blood & Platelet Center flip-flops,
and those who donate on Tuesday mornings will receive a coupon from
Whole Foods for breakfast.
We’re located nearby in Westwood at 1045 Gayley Ave.,
across the street from Whole Foods. Take the campus shuttle or, if
you drive, we will provide parking.
With just a little courage and an hour of your time, you can
help save the life of another person. Schedule your appointment
today ““ call 310-825-0888 or send an e-mail to
[email protected].
We look forward to seeing you at the Blood & Platelet
Center. Have a wonderful summer!
Goss is the Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator for the
UCLA Blood & Platelet Center.