FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blood Center Announces Labor Day Hours

AUGUST 11, 2003, SEATTLE — As the community makes plans to celebrate Labor Day, Sept. 1, Puget Sound Blood Center reminds everyone that the need for blood never takes a holiday. People like Monique Dugaw, of Olympia, Wash., would have died if not for the generous blood donations made by volunteers each day. As a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in January 2002, she required six units of blood, more than half of her body’s supply. Thanks to blood donors, Ms. Dugaw, 19, is realizing her dreams.

She was recently crowned Lakefair Queen – a community ambassador representing Olympia – has won several community service awards and will be starting her freshman year at Washington State University where she will study communications.

“I’m deeply grateful to all of the altruistic people in this region who have made blood donations,” said Ms. Dugaw. “Because they have given generously, I am here today. Their simple act of giving has allowed me to experience my senior year at Capital High, given me the opportunity to get involved in my community and pursue my life’s dreams. This holiday, I encourage you to bring a friend and make a donation – it may just save a life like mine.”

Holiday Hours and Locations
Five branches of Puget Sound Blood Center will be open for whole blood and apheresis donations on Monday, Sept. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested in making a donation can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-398-7888. Donor centers are as follows:

Serving 70 hospitals in Western Washington, Puget Sound Blood Center requires a daily minimum of 900 people to register as donors. From this number, the Blood Center needs to collect 750 units of blood per weekday to ensure that the region’s supply remains adequate.

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