U.S. Embassy Staff Donates Blood (August 29, 2007)

The U.S. Embassy joined forces with the Albanian National Blood Bank and the Albanian Red Cross today, holding a "blood drive" day at the Embassy’s premises.

The Embassy’s medical staff organized this blood donation event together with the Albanian National Blood Bank. The historically low number of blood donations, as well as the high incidence of roadway and other life-threatening accidents at this time of the year in Albania, have dramatically increased the need for blood transfusions, and therefore for donations. The "blood drive" was carried out under the supervision and through the engagement of both the Albanian National Blood Bank and the Albanian Red Cross staff.

Blood donation has been part of the American culture since the 1960s. Employers, churches, schools, and other civic groups sponsor blood drives at their facilities, making it easy for donors to participate. As well as supplying life saving blood reserves for the community, it fosters a spirit of civic solidarity and accomplishment. The U.S. Embassy plans to hold blood drives regularly in the future.