MASSENA -- Massena Memorial Hospital officials say they hope 75 people will give blood at their blood drive today.

They will collect blood donations in their lower level community education room from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We encourage any community member who has thought to donate, but not done

so, to come to their community hospital and donate blood,” said Tina

Corcoran, MMH senior director public relations and planning. “We would love to see

100 community members donate at the blood drive this Wednesday. Each blood

drive we average 55 donors. I would like to see us reach 75 donors.”

Massena Memorial Hospital and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital have

joined forces to ensure the blood donated is given to a North Country patient.

Administrative Laboratory Director Kevin Ward said one donation could provide several products for potential lifesaving measures. That includes packed red cells, fresh frozen plasma, and individual platelets. To donate blood it only takes about 30 minutes between registration and the donation.

“On average, when a patient needs a blood transfusion, they will receive

two to three units,” said Ward. “We have partnered with CVPH, because the

blood donated here at MMH, stays in the North Country. It is very safe and

a piece of mind.”

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds and be in good health and feeling well the day of the donation. Donors must not have had a tattoo or piercing within the last year.

Blood and blood products processed by the North Country Regional Blood Center meet or exceed all national standards for safety and quality, Corcoran said. The pre-screening questions and standards, the policies and protocols used in collecting the donations, and the testing and processing carried out prior to making the blood available are the same as adhered to by the American Red Cross and other accredited programs, according to Corcoran.

Refreshments will be available

More info: 769-4262.