Sept. 23, 2002 – The blood drive held Saturday at Schooner Bay Market in Gallows Bay was a tremendous success, according to the sponsors – the St. Croix Board of Realtors. Thirty eight pints of blood were collected by the staff of the Juan F. Luis Hospital Blood Mobile and 59 other people made appointments to visit the JFL Blood Bank this week. "We had a huge turnout, I only wish we could have accommodated more donors." Dwaine Ford, president-elect of the local board of Realtors and organizer of the event, said.
The local Realtors were responding to the severe blood shortage announced by the islands' hospital. "It costs JFL Hospital $250 to purchase a pint of blood from the Puerto Rico blood bank and that's if they have enough to spare." Ford said, stressing the need for more local donation.
In addition, the many St. Croix residents who waited patiently for their turn to donate, were joined by eight New York City Firefighters who were vacationing on St. Croix as guests of Vacation St. Croix and Bluewater Travel. "I contacted the firemen by email prior to their arrival and asked if they would make an appearance.
"They quickly agreed to not only make an appearance but also donated a much needed pint of blood."Carl Gotts, owner with his wife Marti of Vacation St. Croix, said. Gotts served as a volunteer at the event . While waiting, the uniformed FDNY members posed for photos and shared stories with their fellow donors. Prior to arriving at the blood drive the FDNY guests had spent that morning at the Queen Louise Home for Children where they met the children and gave out gifts.
People wishing to donate blood can call the JFL Hospital blood bank and make an appointment through the hospital main number 778-6311. The blood bank is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
