Amid another emergency blood and platelet shortage, HSL Logistics (“HSL”) partnered with the American Red Cross to host a Blood Drive, benefiting those in critical need. Participation in the blood drive even extended beyond the HSL team, as several non-employees stopped by to contribute.

Donors each provided 500 milliliters (about one pint) of whole blood; several instead gave Power Red donations, a procedure in which the Red Cross separates red blood cells from other blood components, then safely and comfortably returns the plasma and platelets to the donor. The latter procedure takes about 15 minutes longer than the former and results in double the life-saving red blood cells donated.

Blood transfusions are given to patients in a wide range of circumstances, including serious injuries (such as in a car crash), surgeries, childbirth, anemia, blood disorders, cancer treatments, and many others.

“Every time you donate blood, you can save up to three lives, ”said Dr. Elizabeth Stone, assistant attending physician in transfusion medicine and cellular therapy at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

She added: “There’s no substitute for blood, and there are a lot of different patient populations who need blood — sometimes emergently. If we don’t have a constant supply from healthy, altruistic donors, unfortunately, our patients may not get the lifesaving blood transfusions that they need.” 

Red Cross officials said there is seasonal concern that an upcoming combination of severe winter weather and increased respiratory illnesses could cause more people to forsake their donations, compounding any blood shortage and delaying medical procedures.

The HSL team was excited to roll up their sleeves for such a great cause and was thrilled to once again work with the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a global presence providing disaster relief, blood donations, training and certifications, and more.  To learn more about the American Red Cross and how you can make a difference, visit www.redcross.org.  

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