August 24, 2001

MGHers ready for Employee Blood Drive Challenge

Aug. 27 will mark the beginning of a friendly competition for a worthy cause: the MGH/BWH Employee Blood Drive Challenge. The goal of the contest is to recruit employee donors to benefit the many patients in need of blood products at both hospitals. The challenge comes at a time when many would-be donors are on vacation, and the blood supply in Massachusetts is at a critically low level.

Last year's competition resulted in a victory for the MGH, with 388 employees donating compared to BWH's 232. Both Partners institutions hope to increase their employee participation in the 2001 challenge, which will run through Sept. 14. All MGHers who give blood during the three-week contest will receive an Employee Blood Donor Challenge T-shirt. A plaque also will be given to the winning donor center. For more information or to schedule a donation appointment, call (617) 726-8177.