Media Information

With increasing threats of terrorism, war and blood borne pathogens like AIDS and the West Nile Virus, the nation's blood supply has never been more in question. Americans are asking:

• Is the blood supply safe?
• Will there be enough blood in an emergency?
• Will it be hard to find rare blood types?

These are very good questions.

They are the same questions being asked by hospitals. With more than 25% of hospitals canceling surgeries due to blood shortages in the last year, some hospitals are looking for alternatives and turning to "blood conservation" and "Blood Conservation Surgery" programs.

Techniques and procedures first developed for those who refused blood due to religious beliefs, Blood conservation techniques have a demonstrated benefit to virtually anyone seeking medical or surgical care.

Blood conservation techniques either control bleeding or to promote the growth of new red blood cells. The goal is to conserve or retain enough of a patient's own blood to reduce or eliminate the need for a blood transfusion - thus providing a healthier outcome for the patient and lower costs to both the patient and the hospital.

If you are planning a story on any aspect of Blood Conservation medicine/blood conservation, we can help. The Regional Center for Blood Conservation at St. Vincent Charity Hospital is one of the most comprehensive blood conservation programs in the country. People from all parts of the country visit our Center for the most advanced blood conservation practices.

We can support your efforts in the following ways:

• Interviews with patients who have undergone "Blood Conservation surgery" including Blood Conservation heart surgery.
• Interviews with physicians who are committed to making blood conservation routine for all hospitals.
• Shadow a patient through the procedures of the Regional Center for Blood Conservation
• Observation of a "Blood Conservation" surgery.
• Statistical information regarding the benefits of blood conservation, for both the hospital and the patient.

This media kit contains information and contacts for developing a wide array of articles. My office will help you to track down information, set up appointments, or arrange program tours. Simply call me for any assistance that you might need.