July 8, 2006

Jameson Health System and Central Blood Bank

Partner to Meet Area Need for Blood Products

Effective July 1, 2006 Central Blood Bank, a regional blood collection center based in Pittsburgh, will become the provider of blood and blood products to Jameson Health System. 

Central Blood Bank is the region’s largest blood collection center, supplying blood products to more than 40 area hospitals in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.  The not-for-profit organization annually collects approximately 170,000 units of whole blood, which can be separated into 400,000 blood products, including platelets, plasma and red blood cells.

Jameson Health System has served the community for over 75 years providing high-quality, community-based health care services to Lawrence County.  With 300 beds, Jameson operates as a full-service acute care facility occupying two campuses, Jameson Hospital North and Jameson Hospital South.  Many outreach centers throughout Lawrence County provide access to a broad and integrated continuum of health and human services to the community.

Speaking of the upcoming partnership between Central Blood Bank and Jameson Health System, Central Blood Bank Vice-President and COO Judi Matok said, “We are excited and proud to have Jameson come on board.  We have been an integral part of this region for over 55 years.  We look forward to applying our experience and expertise in transfusion medicine to the patients at Jameson Health System.”

In preparation for Jameson’s transition to a new blood supplier, the hospital and Central Blood Bank will begin enlisting local, Lawrence County-based organizations to sponsor blood drives in 2006, says Jameson Vice President, Doug Danko.  Central Blood Bank will announce the schedules for these drives within the month.

“The need for blood is constant,” Danko said.  “Central Blood Bank must register over 700 donors a day to meet the needs of its hospitals.  We will soon be part of the family of hospitals serviced by Central Blood Bank so it’s important that residents of Lawrence County show support for their blood drives.”

“The vast majority of the blood we collect stays in the region,” Matok said.  “When donors donate with Central Blood Bank they are helping their neighbors, colleagues, friends and family.”

While Jameson Health System will start receiving its blood supply from the Central Blood Bank on July 1, it will continue to support and collaborate with the American Red Cross on other services, including disaster relief and emergency preparedness.  

Eligible donors wanting to donate at Central Blood Bank blood drives can call 1-866-DONORS-1 for upcoming drives in their area.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health.  Proper ID is required to donate blood.  A Central Blood Bank or military ID, driver’s license, or employee badge with picture and full name are all approved forms of ID.