July 19, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The July UAB/Red Cross blood drive topped its 1,000 unit goal by collecting 1,045 units of blood during the week-long drive at UAB Hospital’s North Pavilion. Additional units collected at the Wynfrey Hotel by the Red Cross on July 13 brings the total to1208 units collected as part of LifeSaver Freedom Festival.

The blood supply is usually low following the Fourth of July holiday. LifeSaver Freedom Festival was a proactive drive, designed to ensure an adequate blood supply throughout the summer of 2007.

“We want to congratulate the UAB and local communities for stepping up and giving of themselves so generously during this critical blood drive,” said Michael Waldrum, MD, CEO of UAB Hospital. “If you measure a community’s spirit by how it responds to people in need, then we can be proud of our city, our state and UAB itself.”

Drawings for door prizes given during the drive were held on July 17. Prizes included a mountain bike, tent, barbeque grill and a host of other items. All donors received a free round of golf at one of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

“We especially want to thank the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail for their unprecedented donation to our blood drive efforts,” Waldrum said. “The Trail is one of Alabama’s shining jewels, and their participation greatly contributed to the overall success of the drive.”

Another drive is planned for the Labor Day holiday, the next time period when blood supply is historically low. All those who donated at the North Pavilion during LifeSaver Freedom Festival will be eligible to donate again during that drive, to be held Aug. 31 – Sept. 7. A drive is also planned just prior to Christmas.

UAB is the largest user of blood in Alabama and one of the largest users in the entire country supplied by the Red Cross, using on average of 770 units per week.