St. Vincent’s Answers Call for Blood Donors
Employees and Residents Will Help One of Their Own,
Victims of Recent Tragedy

   SAN DIEGO — St. Vincent de Paul Village staff and residents will donate blood during a drive supporting the San Diego Blood Bank on Thursday, October 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a Bloodmobile that will be stationed in a parking lot at the corner of 16th Street and Commercial Street, on the east side of the Village’s main downtown facility.

   President of St. Vincent’s, Fr. Joe Carroll, says two recent events contributed to his decision to hold the drive.

   "An employee who has been battling illness has had a number of transfusions," he says. "We want to ensure there will always be an adequate supply, not only for our family of employees, but for people across America, such as the victims of the recent attacks, who clearly have depended on the support of the Blood Bank and its donors."

   On September 11, the San Diego Blood Bank was the first to ship blood to New York with the help of the U.S. Navy, says Lynn Stedd of the Blood Bank.

   "A total of 380 pints of blood were sent to the New York Blood Center on the day of the tragedy," says Stedd. "While we have an ample short-term supply of blood right now, donations are still needed so we will be prepared should we be called on again to help."

   Fr. Joe is confident St. Vincent’s clients and staff will do their part to support the efforts of the Blood Bank.

   "We have well over 1,000 people who live or work at the Village, and most of them understand how important it is to do what they can to help one of their own, as well as help their community," Fr. Joe says.

   For more information on the blood drive, call (619) 525-1608.

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