Hall of Fame Blood Drive held at Westlake Porter Public Library

Joe Griffin donates his 203rd pint of blood at a Red Cross Hall of Fame blood drive held in his honor at Porter Library on August 29.

Locally, the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross serves 57 hospitals. To maintain an ample supply, nearly 900 pints of blood must be collected every day.

Over the years, we have seen many of the same faces donate blood on a regular basis. Many of these donors have given the gift of life throughout their lifetime and we acknowledged one of these donors at the Westlake Porter Public Library on Monday, August 29. 

We call this tribute our Hall of Fame blood drive and this year we recognized Joseph Griffin of Rocky River who has given 203 blood donations. Andrew Mangels, Library Director, presented Mr. Griffin with a certificate, donor pin and special letter from the American Red Cross.

When asking Joe how he started giving blood he comments that he started when he was 20 years old. He said his a friend's wife needed blood during delivery of their baby and it just seemed to become a habit for him thereafter. Mr. Griffin also gave blood many years ago when he worked downtown at the 3rd Street Annex Building. 

He said the Red Cross would often call him since he has O-type blood and this type is always in demand. Joe feels that it is so easy to give blood and if you have never done it, you should consider it. He went on to say that "although you usually do not know who is getting the blood, you always know you are helping someone who is in need."

Thank you Mr. Joe Griffin and thanks to all those blood donors for taking the time to give the gift of life!

Sandra Prochaska

Donor Representative for the American Red Cross Blood Services, Northern Ohio Region.

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Volume 3, Issue 18, Posted 4:24 PM, 09.07.2011