Continuing a tradition of helping to address the shortage of life-saving blood in the region, Maria Regina High School recently hosted a community blood drive to support the New York Blood Center (NYBC).

Students, members of administration, faculty and staff as well as supporters from the community answered the call by donating 45 pints were donated that will potentially help save the lives of 135 area hospital patients (the NYBC notes that each donated pint can save three lives). The drive was held in the gymnasium of the renowned all-girls Catholic high school.

Maria Carozza-McCaffrey (Class of ’99), Principal, applauded all those “who volunteered in this critically important drive that will help save lives in our communities.” The NYBC notes that the donated blood is typically needed to help treat cancer patients, accident, burn, and trauma victims, newborn babies, mothers delivering babies, transplant patients, surgery patients and others in need. 

In addition, much of today’s sophisticated medical care such as transplants and heart surgeries rely on blood transfusions.  In addition, car accident and trauma victims may need as many as 50 or more red cell transfusions and severe burn victims may need as many as 20 platelet transfusions.  

The NYBC notes that ”donating blood is easy and our blood supply relies exclusively on the generosity of volunteer blood donors,’’ adding: “Most people qualify as a volunteer donor.” To make a blood donation and learn more about the New York Blood Center,  nonprofit organization that is one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers in the world, visit www.nybc.org.

Maria Regina High School is a Catholic school where young women are encouraged to achieve academic excellence, empowered to be compassionate, empowered to be compassionate leaders, and enriched with the Spirit to live a life of Charity, Truth, and service to others.  

To learn more, visit www.mariaregina.org