BOSTON, Mass. - The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation continues their efforts to increase awareness of the importance of blood and platelet donations with a drive December 1 through December 31, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Kraft Family Blood Donor Center and the Brigham and Women's Hospital Blood Donor Center, both in the Longwood Medical Area. Life-saving blood and platelet donations are especially needed during this time of year when busy holiday schedules and inclement weather can lead to a decrease in the number donations made. The blood drive will run in cooperation with the Patriots "Celebrate Volunteerism" campaign which aims to recognize deserving volunteers and inspire others to follow Myra Kraft's example of being a life-long volunteer.
"Last year we collected a record number of platelets and blood donations and we urge Patriots fans to help us make this another record-breaking year," said Andre Tippett, Patriots executive director of community affairs. "The Kraft family and the Patriots organization have a long history of support for Dana-Farber through the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center and we are proud to continue this partnership by hosting this blood and platelet drive."
All successful donors will receive a special Patriots-themed thank you gift and will be entered into a drawing for an autographed Tom Brady mini-helmet, autographed Danny Woodhead jersey or an autographed Vince Wilfork football. To be eligible to donate you must be at least 16 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds; valid photo identification is required. For details or to make an appointment to donate, call 888-LETSGIV, email blooddonor@partners.org, or visit www.dana-farber.org/blooddonation.
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Kraft Family Blood Donor Center and the Brigham and Women's Hospital Blood Donor Center are members of the Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine. Together these centers provide essential blood products to patients cared for in both institutions. The Kraft Center collects platelets; the BWH Donor Center collects whole blood and red cells. The program's research and quality standards ensure the safety of the more than 60,000 transfusions performed annually at these patient care facilities.
