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Memorial Hermann Hospital Opens Blood Center Site

Houston, Texas, March 10, 2003 - Wilmer Sam, longtime volunteer and president of the Memorial Hermann Hospital Volunteer Organization, became a "five gallon donor" March 10 after 28 years of donating blood. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center recently opened a donation location at Memorial Hermann Hospital, and to commemorate this milestone, Sam rolled up his sleeve to encourage other Houstonians to donate.

Taking his commitment to the "Gift of Life" seriously, Sam began donating blood in 1975 and continues to donate three to five times per year.
   

Actions Speak Louder than Words
Wilmer Sam, Memorial Hermann Hospital Volunteer Organization's president, and who has been a blood donor for 28 years, became a "five gallon donor" March 10. While Sam spends time helping patient families in the Emergency Center, Shock Trauma and ICU waiting areas, and encouraging them to donate blood, his favorite activity is visiting patient rooms.
Photo by Lisa Merkl

"I saw a need to help my community," said Sam, of what prompted him to first give blood. "Just as my blood type is called 'Universal' - O Positive - so is the ability to donate blood. And by sharing my story and enthusiasm with as many people as possible, I hope to appeal to everyone from all over our city to join me in this long-term commitment."

"I am delighted that Memorial Hermann Hospital has a facility that permits friends and family members to donate on behalf of patients," said James H. "Red" Duke, M.D., medical director of Life Flight at Memorial Hermann Hospital and the John B. Holmes Professor of Clinical Sciences and professor of surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. "It is an enormously valuable asset, and not only makes donation convenient, but allows donations to occur when concerned individuals are in the hospital."
   

In addition to his dedication to the Blood Center's efforts, Sam takes an active role with the Memorial Hermann Hospital Volunteer Organization. Although Sam has a special interest in helping patient families in the Emergency Center, Shock Trauma and ICU waiting areas, his favorite part of volunteering is visiting patient rooms.

"I view myself as a patient ambassador, making sure each person I visit feels like someone is there watching out for them, even when their family can't always be present," said Sam. "One of my favorite sayings is, 'Humanity is at its tallest when we reach out to others.'"

Sam takes that phrase to heart, whether it is helping to save a life as a blood donor or just being a comfort to someone in need as a volunteer.

"With Memorial Hermann's Level I Trauma status, an onsite donation center has been long awaited," Hartwell said. "Its location near the Shock Trauma ICU waiting room on the first floor of Robertson Pavilion is an ideal place for optimal use, as family members waiting for word on their loved ones can break the tension and feel like they can actively do something to help by donating blood as others have done to help their own relatives in need. Plus, it's a great convenience for those who work in the Texas Medical Center to now have a donation site so close by."

The donation process is simple and sterile, taking only about 30 to 45 minutes. Memorial Hermann Hospital's Blood Donor Center hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, contact Media Relations.