Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the monumental task of keeping up to date with all the advances and changes within our industry that our outside interests and community responsibilities fall off our schedules. This morning I had the privelege and pleasure to attend an event hosted by the American Red Cross honoring the blood donors in Chester County, one small area of the Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region. As Board Chair for this region I often get to see the men and women who ensure that a safe and reliable blood supply is at hand when we need it.

I was amazed today as we honored corporations like Vanguard and Centocor as well as organizations like Paoli Hospital and Coatesville High School among many others who devote countless man hours and resources to recruit, manage and run regular blood drives. These are all great corporate citizens but the real heroes of the day are the blood donors themselves. Among the hundreds of attendees for this morning’s event were dozens of individuals who have – one pint at a time – contributed 10, 20, 25 even up to 44 GALLONS of blood in their lifetime. In doing so they have truly given the gift of life many times over.

There is a serious shortage of Type O Negative blood right now. Support the Red Cross today by giving blood. An hour of your time can save up to 3 lives!

http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation