Blood donors honored
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Backus Emergency Department Nurse John Brady has given 11 gallons of blood during his lifetime.
It all began when his girlfriend's mother needed blood, and he was asked to donate.
He did, and 34 years later his decision is still paying dividends. He's been married to Michelle ever since, and continues to help others by signing up for Backus blood drives whenever he can.
"It takes so little to give," said Mr. Brady, who has given more blood than any other Backus employee over the years. "And it's so important for patients, their friends and families."
Mr. Brady was among more than 40 Backus staff members who on Wednesday morning were honored by Backus and the American Red Cross for giving the gift of life.
Donors who have given at least one gallon during their lifetimes received certificates and pins at a ceremony in the entry level conference rooms. WFSB-3 reporter and anchorman Kevin Hogan, an avid blood donor and recipient when he had heart surgery, was the keynote speaker. He said his father was a regular blood donor and that's what motivated him to do the same.
"I enjoy giving, and I'll be here next week," Mr. Hogan said, referring to the Aug. 28 blood drive at Backus. Mr. Hogan was presented with a 5-gallon pin himself at the event.
August is a challenging month for blood collection because schools are out of session and summer vacations can keep people from donating. Blood donors are needed to keep the community blood supply at sufficient levels. Donors with all blood types are asked to give, but there is a great need for donors with type O negative blood.
Nationally, someone needs blood every two seconds but only 5% of the population gives.
Locally in the past year, Backus blood drives have resulted in 416 units of blood. The hospital needs to collect at least 84 units at its next blood drive Aug. 28 in order to obtain the Red Cross' "Life Share Gold Sponsor level." This helps supply the hospital with the blood patients need - and helps reduce the cost.
Dave Whitehead, President and Chief Executive Officer, urged Backus staff to participate and serve as ambassadors in this life-saving cause.
"Whether you're getting a gallon pin or rolling up your sleeves for the first time - please spread the word," Mr. Whitehead said. "Ask a friend to join you, and talk about why it matters. Because it does, and any one of us could be on the receiving end some day."
The August 28 blood drive will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the entry level conference rooms. To register, call Ginny James at 889-8331, ext. 4211, or email her at gjames@wwbh.org.
Paul Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of the Connection Region of the American Red Cross, said that Connecticut is a state that uses more blood than it collects, having to rely on other states to import 10,000 units of blood per year. He said the goal would be for Connecticut to elevate its donations so it is self sufficient.
"We're appreciative of hospitals like Backus and your leadership in this effort," he told attendees. "Thank you for everything that you have done."
Backus Director of Laboratory Services Timothy Shizume said that his job brings an appreciation for the need for blood. In 2008 Backus transfused more than 6,000 units of blood, 1,500 units of platelets, and 2,000 units of plasma. With the exception of autologous blood, all of the blood products came from the American Red Cross.
But it was a personal situation that underlined the importance to Shizume, who has been giving blood since college. His wife was pregnant and they found out the baby had a rare congenital heart defect.
"His only hope of long term survival was either major open heart surgery, or a heart transplant," Mr. Shizume said. "The surgeons spoke to us about many things that night, one of them being the need for blood transfusions and whether we wished to donate in advance of the surgery. Only when one actually faces a situation where they or someone they love requires blood does one realize just how important and valuable this resource is. I want to thank all of you for participating in this selfless act. You represent what is the best in humankind."
Corinne Impellitteri RPh, of the Backus Pharmacy and a 4-gallon donor, attended Wednesday's event and was impressed.
"I am proud to work at Backus Hospital, a community that recognizes employees for their commitment to quality care and community outreach," Ms. Impellitteri said.