Blood and Marrow Drives Draw Employee Generosity

Greg Murphy was one of hundreds of County employees who donated blood last month as part of the 30th Annual County Employees Blood Drive.

Employees donated far more blood during this year’s 30^th Annual County Employees Blood Drive than last year’s, giving a total of 341 pints. That easily tops last year’s total of 288 pints.

In addition, 43 people registered for the Be The Match marrow registry, which benefits patients fighting more than 70 different diseases, including blood cancers or sickle cell anemia.

The drive made a total of 12 stops at County offices throughout the month of April. It is one of the largest and most important in the region each year, according to the San Diego Blood Bank. The donations allow hospitals to keep a critically needed supply of blood.

Many first-time donors showed up at the County’s drive this year, said Juan Olmeda, a Communicable Disease Investigator/Border Health Assistant and leukemia survivor who helps organize the blood and marrow drives at the County. Of the 397 potential blood donors who came forward, 111 were first timers.

There’s yet another chance to donate blood this Saturday at the Waterfront Park Grand Opening. The San Diego Blood Bank’s Bloodmobile will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Harbor Drive near Ash Street at the County Administration Center.  Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. To sign up or for more information, visit the San Diego Blood Bank website or call 1-800-MY-4SDBB (469-7322). The County also keeps an Employee Blood Drive Web page.