WHAT:

UAB Hospital has opened a new blood donor room in the North Pavilion. In partnership with the American Red Cross, the new room features the latest in technology and convenience for donors. Located on the second floor concourse next to Starbucks and the new gift shop, the 1,743 square foot space boasts four state-of-the-art E chairs, each with a built-in computer and 19” flat screen. A donor can watch TV or DVDs or surf the Internet while donating. There also will be a 42” LCD TV screen in the guest waiting area.

WHY:

Each year, Jefferson County hospitals need far more blood for patient care than is collected from donors in the county. County hospitals use more than 100,000 units of blood each year, yet less that 20,000 units are collected annually in the county, leaving a shortfall of more than 80,000. Blood must be imported from elsewhere in the state or from other states to meet the need. UAB Hospital, UAB Highlands and Metro West account for more than 40 percent of blood use in Jefferson County.

BACKGROUND:

Able to process eight donors per hour, the new donor room is the next step in the ambitious goal of the UAB/Red Cross partnership to make UAB self-sufficient in blood collection. UAB uses on average 770 units of blood each week, making it one of the top five Red Cross-supplied hospitals in the country. Donor room hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mon. and Tues., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wed. and Fri. and 12 to 6 p.m. on Thurs. Donors can make an appointment to donate at the new room at www.givelife.org