Crime & Safety

Who Will Give Most Blood This Friday? Middletown or Portsmouth Firefighters?

The Middletown and Portsmouth fire departments will hold simultaneous blood drives that will be open to the public on Friday, July 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at both fire houses.

A friendly competition between two Aquidneck Island fire departments promises to bring hope to several Rhode Islanders and their families this week.

The Portsmouth ands each have scheduled blood drives for Friday, July 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at their respective fire houses at 239 Wyatt Road, Middletown and 2300 East Main Road, Portsmouth, according to an announcement from the

Both blood drives are open to the public.

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“We have a firsthand view of the bad end of things,” Middletown Firefighter Kevin Brooks told the Rhode Island Blood Center organizers. “It’s nice we can do something to help with the recovery. The competition is nice because it will help get the numbers up for both of us.”

Portsmouth Fire Chief Jeffrey Lynch echoed Brooks’ comments. He noted how, as first responders, fire department personnel understand and see on a regular basis the importance of blood donation and sustaining an ample supply in Rhode Island.

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The blood drives also come at a critical time of year, Rhode Island Blood Center officials say. With typical drive locations such as schools on vacation and many individuals in a vacation mindset, the Rhode Island Blood Center is challenged to collect 280 pints of blood each day to meet the needs of those hospitalized throughout the state, they stated.

While other nationwide collection agencies may divert blood donations outside the state, the Rhode Island Blood Center is the sole supplier of blood products specifically to the hospitals in Rhode Island. The RIBC also supplies blood to some hospitals in Massachusetts and Connecticut as well, according to RIBC spokesperson Frank Prosnitz.

"Our first priority is to assure that we have sufficient supplies in Rhode Island, but then we are able to help patients in both Massachusetts and Connecticut as well," Prosnitz said in an email.

Get More Information

The Rhode Island Blood Center, founded in 1979, collects some 280 units of blood every day, distributing blood products primarily to patients in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut. It is the sole supplier of blood products to hospitals in Rhode Island. To donate blood and platelets individuals must be 17 years of age, weight 110 pounds, and be in general good health. Sixteen-year-olds may donate if they weigh 130 pounds, have a parental permission slip (available on the Blood Center’s web site), and be in general good health. For information about blood drives, donor centers, and blood facts, visit the Rhode Island Blood Center’s web site, www.ribc.org.


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