BJ's Charitable Foundation donation fuels mobile blood donation center

Boston, MA – April 18, 2014 – Boston Children's Hospital unveiled today their newly designed Bloodmobile, generously funded by BJ's Charitable Foundation. The Bloodmobile helps improve the hospital's blood supply by bringing the convenience of blood donation into the community. Supported by BJ's Charitable Foundation with a gift of $250,000, this important blood donation center on wheels will host an average of six blood drives per week and collect approximately 8,000 pints of blood each year.

At Boston Children's Hospital, maintaining an adequate blood supply is critical, as the needs for children during surgery are often greater than adults. In addition, the hospital is part of an important blood collection partnership with Brigham & Women's Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The Bloodmobile complements Boston Children's hospital-based donor center, traveling throughout Massachusetts to enhance its collection efforts that benefit thousands of New England patients.

"The Bloodmobile increases our ability to meet the demand for blood supply and offer life-saving care to our patients."

"Boston Children's Blood Donor Program collects 85-90 percent of the blood needed for our patients, but there are times when we must purchase blood because of increased demand or a need for a particular blood type," said Dr. Kevin Churchwell, Executive Vice President of Health Affairs and COO of Boston Children's Hospital. "Thanks to the continued generosity of our friends at BJ's Charitable Foundation, the Bloodmobile increases our ability to meet the demand for blood supply and offer life-saving care to our patients."

"BJ's Charitable Foundation is proud to support the Boston Children's Hospital Bloodmobile and the vital work it does throughout our communities," said Bob Eddy, BJ's Wholesale Club Chief Financial Officer. "Programs like the Bloodmobile help the BJ's Charitable Foundation fulfill its mission of making a positive, long-lasting impact in ways that benefit children and families."

The 40-foot custom coach is a high-tech blood center on wheels. Outfitted with five-beds and all of the equipment available at the hospital-based blood center, technicians can collect different blood components, such as red cells and platelets, for many different patient needs. The onboard computer system makes the process efficient by allowing technicians to quickly enter donor information and access hospital records.

BJ's Charitable Foundation continues its ongoing support of Boston Children's Hospital, donating $250,000 to support the Bloodmobile. Since 2005, BJ's Charitable Foundation has contributed more than $650,000 to Boston Children's, supporting the hospital's Yawkey Family Inn, Community Asthma Program, the Boston Children's Hospital main campus playground and other important areas. Additionally BJ's Charitable Foundation will be donating healthy snacks and beverages to the Bloodmobile for blood drives.

Boston Children's plans to expand the Bloodmobile's reach, attending events in new locations in Massachusetts, traveling to corporate office sites, retail outlets, colleges, churches and civic groups. The Bloodmobile drives all Greater Boston, including Metro West, North Shore and South Shore, five days a week.

For more information on the Bloodmobile or to organize a blood drive contact Boston Children's Blood Donor Center at 617-355-6677 or visit http://www.childrenshospital.org/ways-to-help/donate-blood.