AYF Partners with Hollywood Presbyterian for March 5 Blood Drive

LOS ANGELES–Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) has partnered with the American Red Cross and Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) along with other community organizations for a large-scale blood drive that will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at the hospital’s auditorium, 8am to 8pm.

"A single blood donation can help save the lives of up to three people," explained Jay Yoo, Director of Special Projects at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. "An adult of average weight has about 10 to 12 units of blood, so one pint is easy to spare. Once donated, blood can be separated into several components including red blood cells, platelets and plasma."

While donating blood is an easy way to save lives, people surprisingly do not donate. For this reason, Mr. Yoo reached out to volunteers from the AYF, Southern California Korean College Student Association, Asian Journal, Korean American Women’s Association, and various Filipino groups, who have committed their participation.

"Our hospital is a community institution that serves the local Armenian, Korean, Filipino, and Hispanic populations. We’re a family that helps each other," Mr. Yoo explained.

Approximately every two seconds, someone needs blood, and one out of three people will need a life-saving blood transfusion in their lifetime.

“Since accidents and emergencies can happen anytime, to any one, it is important to maintain an ample blood supply,” said Vache Thomassian, the Chairman of the AYF. “The AYF is a community organization committed to the well-being of our local population.”

“Giving blood is the greatest gift–the gift of life.” He added.

According to the American Red Cross, the process of donating takes about an hour, starting with registration, a health history and a mini-physical. The actual donation usually takes less than 10-12 minutes. Donors are then are asked to rest for a few minutes before returning to normal activities.

Some of the basic requiremen’s are that donors be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.

Donors may sign-up online for the March 5 blood drive at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center by visiting www.givelife.org. and entering "hpmedcenter" in search field. Instead of the usual snacks, the hospital will provide a complementary Korean Barbeque lunch to donors on site, or $10 gift card to Starbucks or Subway Sandwiches.

Prospective donors may call toll free 888-590-3883, or visit www.givelife.org for additional information and online sign-up.