FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT PROBATION OFFICER ORGANIZES BLOOD DRIVE FOR COMMUNITY LACKING DONATIONS

          Franklin Superior Court Probation Officer Michael Gralenski literally infused new blood into the community this week when he organized a court Blood Drive for the rural area where donations are significantly low, a decrease which reflects the status of donations throughout the Northeast region.

          In fact, according to American Red Cross spokeswoman Donna Morrissey, blood donations are down, about 400 units or pints statewide. In western Massachusetts, blood donations are lacking by 200 pints. To keep up with the demand for blood, the American Red Cross provides 2,000 units of blood to more than 200 hospitals throughout New England, excluding Rhode Island which has its own blood bank. Donating one pint of blood can save up to three lives, according to the American Red Cross.

          "We are suffering a shortage in blood donations. There has been a fall off in donations over the last week or so. Many people do not realize that there is a need for blood. Fifty percent of us will need blood in our life time. For example, blood is provided to people who have experienced trauma, are in car accidents and to mothers who are giving birth," said Morrissey. "Every two seconds, someone across the United States will need a blood transfusion."

          Gralenski is planning to hold the blood drive, in collaboration with the Bloodmobile of Springfield-based Mercy Hospital, at the court twice a year.

          A nine-year Probation Officer, Gralenski was inspired by the memory of his Dad who suffered with throat cancer in the late 1960's and needed several units of blood during surgery.

          "I was in elementary school and remember all of my family members having their blood type checked to see if they could donate blood for my father. Many were able to give and he lived a great life for many years after the surgery," said Gralenski. "Giving is truly the gift of life."

          To give blood, one must be at least 17 years old and 110 pounds. Call 1-800-Give-Life to find the nearest location to donate blood.