The support of Rhode Island’s businesses for the state’s blood donation system has been critical in helping the Rhode Island Blood Center avoid blood shortages that are often experienced by neighboring states.

Making sure a safe and adequate blood supply is maintained is a tremendous challenge, one that the Rhode Island Blood Center faces every single day and accomplishes through a cooperative effort with thousands of volunteer blood donors and thousands of businesses, schools and organizations.

The shrinking economy creates even more challenges, as some businesses that once held blood drives are contracting as a way of coping with the economic downturn.

Blood needs, however, are oblivious to economic downturns, so the Blood Center is turning to its best supporters for even more help.

There are two ways businesses can make sure enough blood is continually collected.

If a business does not already host a drive but has a large enough workforce to support a drive, the Blood Center asks that they consider running a blood drive.

For businesses already running drives, consider an additional one this year. For smaller organizations, the Blood Center will speak to employees to educate them on the value of blood donation and inform them of where and how they can donate.

For more information, contact Renaldo Maurice-Simmons, communications assistant at 248-5730.