East Coast Mega Blood Drive 2016

In its third annual Mega Blood Drive, the World Mission Society Church of God accomplished yet another great feat—a mega blood drive in 13 different locations at the same time in one day, not only on the East Coast but even in the Caribbean. The Church of God hosted its blood drive in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

The Church of God, which previously received the 2015 Organization Award from the Association of Donor Recruitment Professionals for its mega blood drives, worked with New York Blood Center, the American Red Cross and oneblood. And, in Puerto Rico, the Church of God worked with el Banco de Sangre de Servicios Mutuos, Inc.

In New Windsor, NY, phlebotomist’s of the New York Blood Center commented, “It’s going great! There are a lot of people here.”

“The fact that the Church of God does these in the summer is amazing,” said Michelle Lariviere, NYBC Recruitment Director. “We were in a blood emergency in June, and we’re still in a shortage. So it’s going to do a lot for the community in terms of saving lives.”

The New Windsor location alone collected approximately 280 pints of blood. This is enough to save 840 lives. And in Connecticut, the Church of God received about 150 donors.

“The number of donors you get, come incredibly organized and positive and just lovely,” said Lariviere when asked about working with the Church of God. “You guys are amazing to work with and we really enjoy and appreciate the opportunity.

In each location, members united to save as many lives as possible. For weeks prior to the Mega Blood Drive, volunteers reached out to their communities. They posted flyers in coffee shops and supermarkets. And informed neighbors about the upcoming blood drive.

At the blood drive, volunteers facilitated registration, welcomed, assisted, and escorted donors to and from the blood donation beds, prepared and served an iron-filled lunch for everyone, and even donated blood themselves.

The Church of God recognizes the dire need for blood supply especially in summer months, throughout the nation and abroad. This is the reason behind the annual summer Mega Blood Drives. Through the East Coast Mega Blood Drive 2016, the Church of God hopes to have saved more than 3,000 lives.