"As an organization, we have strengthened our surveillance for early detection among employees and donors. We also have in place a pandemic flu plan and crisis plans that are reviewed weekly to assess current risks and modified as needed. Memorial Blood Centers is prepared to deal with the potential situations that may occur given the unpredictability of this growing pandemic," Dr. Gorlin concluded.

Fast Facts about Giving a Gift to Your Community:

Every two seconds, someone needs blood -- from heart transplant and cancer patients to accident victims in crises. Memorial Blood Centers faces a demand of over 2,700 units a week to meet the needs of more than 30 hospital partners. And making a donation is one way to give a potentially life-saving gift to friends, family, and community.

All donations are processed and available for use within 24-48 hours.Each unit of blood can help up to three people.Since blood cannot be synthetically made, there is no substitute. Donating is safe, convenient, and takes only about 45 minutes, including registration and a mini-physical.

Donors 17 and older must be in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds; donors 16 years of age must weigh at least 130 pounds, be at least 5 feet tall, and have written parental consent. While walk-in donors are always welcome, appointments can be made in advance.

SOURCE Memorial Blood Centers