All-Star Catcher Paul Lo Duca to Support Blood Donors at New York Hospital Queens

Friday, July 20, 2007

WHO: Paul Lo Duca, All-Star Catcher for The New York Mets, will be at New York Hospital Queens to support committed blood donors, pose for pictures and sign autographs.

WHAT: Opportunity to interview and photograph Lo Duca as he interacts with NYHQ blood donors

WHEN: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 – 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: New York Hospital Queens
               56-45 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355
               (Entrance now on Booth Memorial Avenue)

FYI: Traditionally, the summer months are challenging for blood collection, since supplies reach critically low levels.  Right now, there is an alert for types O positive and O negative. To help sustain a healthy blood supply for our community, the Blood Donor Center of New York Hospital Queens is holding numerous blood drives to help save lives.

Every two seconds someone needs blood. And, unfortunately, only 5 percent of the eligible population donates blood, according to the National Blood Data Resource Center. Blood needs to be on the shelves in anticipation of need. It’s up to community volunteers to help. Volunteer blood donations help patients being treated for accidents, routine surgeries and serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease and hemophilia.

For more information, potential donors can visit our Blood Donor Center webpage, www.nyhq.org or by calling (718) 670-1007.

New York Hospital Queens is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and is an affiliate of Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

National Blood Data Resource Center: http://chapters.redcross.org/midatlanticblood/Hospital Services/Blood Facts.doc