Hoping to Save Lives, Florida Blood Services and Volunteer Ministers Team up for Blood Drive
The Church of Scientology's Volunteer Ministers will be collecting donations on Saturday, May 18th in downtown Clearwater, hoping to help Florida Blood Services to save more than 200 lives.
- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (1888PressRelease) May 10, 2013 - Heading into the summer season, when demand puts a strain on reserves, the Church of Scientology of Tampa's Volunteer Ministers will be hosting a blood drive for Florida Blood Services Saturday, May 18th, from 10:00am until 6:00pm, on Park Street between Fort Harrison and Garden Avenues in downtown Clearwater.
This is the second blood drive of the year for the Church, but it comes at a critical time. As colleges and workplaces start gearing up for vacations during the summer holidays, the number of blood donations from these sources decreases, leaving Florida Blood Services to cope with the supply that they have.
Each donation can be broken down into three different elements - red blood cells, plasma and platelets. These elements, frozen, can be stored indefinitely. Plasma, used to help burn victims recover, can be stored for up to a year.
"At the first donation drive we did for Florida Blood Services this year, we collected 72 units of blood," says Church spokesperson Pat Harney. "We want to increase that and reach 80 donations for our Spring drive."
Harney mentioned that one pint of blood can save up to three lives, "And this really adds up," she said. "Our Volunteer Ministers (VM's) have been participating in these blood drives for the last few years and we are very honored to have them."
Ms. Harney cites the Volunteer Minister's work in international relief efforts - VMs from Tampa have assisted fire fighters, National Guard, Red Cross and other groups at disasters ranging from 9/11 to Tsunamis in India and hurricanes in Florida.
"They are a group dedicated to helping mankind in the oldest of religious traditions. They have helped at disaster sites internationally, this teaming up with Florida Blood Services, helping people that they will never meet is just as vital," said Ms. Harney. "That's why they were awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award during this year's National Volunteer Week, (April 21 - 28)."
People wishing to donate need to be at least 16 years old, in good health and weigh over 110 pounds.
Per the Florida Blood Services website, 90% of the population in the United States will need blood, plasma or platelets in the course of their lives, only 30% of those who are eligible to give blood, ever do.
Ms. Harney says that the blood drive is open to the public and the donors can be of any denomination. She added, "The Founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard said that 'Life is a group effort. None survive alone.' We - and I am talking about all humanity - can make a difference, one person at a time. "
If you wish to donate, please contact 727-467-6860. For more information
###
space
space
Satisfied Users & 
Approved Press Releases
Print
Email
Report Spam