Bloodmobile Comes to the Washington Harbour

People working in offices at the Washington Harbour saw something out of the ordinary sitting by the parking garage on Thursday, July 21: the bloodmobile.

The bloodmobile, part of the Children’s National Medical Center, is a bus on which people are invited to donate blood directly to the hospital located on Michigan Avenue. Both walk-ins and appointments are welcome.

“The bloodmobile is so big and colorful that people are drawn to it. It really sparks conversation and gets attention,” said Donor Recruiter Andrea Wolschleger.

All blood collected from the bloodmobile and from CNMC’s fixed site at the hospital goes directly to children there. Many of the children at CNMC need either many transfusions or fresh blood that is less than five days old for surgeries, Wolschleger said.

The July drive was the third held at the Harbour, a relationship which started when MRP Realty Property Manager Jenny DeMeo reached out to the organization. Since the first drive in March, drives have been held every eight weeks, about the amount of time needed for donors to be eligible between donations.

DeMeo said it was a New Year’s resolution which got her started giving blood, a resolution which has been reinforced by finding out that she is part of a buddy program with the hospital. This is a program which links sickle-cell patients at the hospital with a donor whose blood is practically a perfect match for their own, leading to an exclusive donation relationship between the two.

“The community has really embraced and wanted to participate with this. Every time I come here to donate, I see tenants giving blood,” DeMeo said.

Wolschleger said that, at the moment, the CNMC is experiencing a blood shortage and that every donation helps. Blood shortages are not uncommon in the summer, as more elective surgeries are scheduled and many repeat donors go on vacations.

“It’s a huge contribution. One unit of blood can save three adult lives, and with our patients, because they’re so much smaller, it can be four to six lives,” Wolschleger said.

This sentiment was echoed by donors participating in the event.

“I donate because I think of the sick people who need it, especially the children,” said repeat donor Judy Brown.

“It’s the cheapest gift you can give, saving a life of someone you don’t know, and at our hospital more than one,” said phlebotomist and repeat platelet donor Charley Hammel.

DeMeo said that she believes the relationship between the CNMC and Washington Harbour will continue. This is the only regular donation site in Georgetown, so DeMeo encourages residents to take the time to stop by.

“In hard times, when you can’t financially help out causes, here you can in a significant way,” DeMeo said.

CNMC is the largest pediatric specialist hospital in the DC area. The hospital is 140 years old, works exclusively on children and is an innovator in treatments for childhood injury and illness, according to their website.

The bloodmobile will be returning to the Harbour in eight weeks. Until then, the hospital has a fixed donation center on premise.