Exceeds goal of 60 pints for new record
By William Madaras
For the Sun
Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services’ recent blood drive on Oct. 17 and 18 surpassed its goal of 60 pints and reached a new record of 63 pints from 55 donors. In addition, eight of the donations were of high value double red cells which carry oxygen to organs and tissue and are used for surgery patients, organ transplants and cancer treatment. The last blood drive in June secured 55 pints.
“We attribute the success of the drive to the many people of Gallup who took the time to donate,” RMCHCS CEO David Conejo said. “We also thank the tireless efforts of the auxilians who made this possible.”
“We attracted a wide variety of donors,” Eileen D’Orazio, chairperson of the Auxiliary Blood Drive, said. “Ten volunteered from the hospital and even members of my local Tae Kwon Do class in Gallup [stepped up].” There were ten members of the Boys and Girls Club, as well as other students who donated artwork, each receiving a prize.
The challenge was sponsored by the RMCHCS Auxilians and Vitalant, a nonprofit organization that collects blood from volunteer donors and provides blood, blood products and services across the United States. The blood drive began in 1943 and is one of the oldest in Gallup.
GALLUP BLOOD CHALLENGE COMPETITION FOR FEBRUARY DRIVE
“For the next drive in February, we will be inviting Gallup’s civic and business organizations such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, members of the Chamber of Commerce, retail organizations, union members and other groups to challenge THEIR employees to a blood donating competition with RMCHCS employees,” D’Orazio said.
