During the summer months, blood donations nation-wide tend to decrease, but the need for these donations does not. The Lancaster General Hospital Emergency Department team recently went above the call of duty to help fill a basic need of many of their patients by hosting a blood drive.
“We see the impact the blood donation has, and with the increase in trauma cases we’ve received in recent months, our team wanted to give back in a way that we knew would make a difference,” explained Erin Cornman, assistant nurse manager, Emergency Medicine. “Two members of my team came to me with the idea of host a blood drive for the ED staff. I worked with the Blood Donor Center to plan the event, which proved to be a huge success.”
The blood drive was held during a time that members from all shifts could attend and, because it was held in the ED, it was easy for staff to donate during a break period.
“This was the first time we have hosted a department-specific drive and we knew had to be cognizant of employee’s schedules. We were very surprised at the turn out. It shows the dedication that the ED staff has for their patients,” said Anita Blizzard, blood donor recruiter.
A total of 59 members of the ED donated blood, resulting in 46 units collected. Others can join the ED in making an impact by attending the next blood drive from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 at LGH, James Street Lobby, third floor balcony, or can contact the Blood Donor Center to arrange an appointment.