The United Blood Services Drawing Center in Carson City was recently able to reinstate a blood program where residents can donate blood for their own surgeries. This was made possible by a generous donation of $8,000 from the Carson-Tahoe Hospital Auxiliary.
In November 1999, United Blood Services was forced to upgrade their centralized computer system to ensure Y2K compliance. The expenses for this were excessive, thus, forcing United Blood Services to consolidate its autologous program to Reno.
"The best thing for people who are sick, is giving them their own blood," said Nyla Emerson, Community Relations Representative for UBS. "It's actually an energy within itself."
The idea to bring the program back to Carson City stemmed from two physicians, Dr. Elizabeth Jack and Dr. Susan Doberneck, who recognized the need for this service to be located closer to the patients. With collaboration between, United Blood Services, the hospital and the hospital auxiliary, the program can now be offered to area residents.
For information about the program, call 887-9111, or stop by the UBS office at 257 E. Winnie Lane, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
