Blood and Platelets: A Different Kind of Donation

As a contractor, Chris Clark uses the materials and tools at his disposal to build, create and accomplish his goals. So when he considered helping St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, he turned to the tools at his disposal: donations of time and blood products.

Clark began donating platelets at the St. Jude Blood Donor Center in 1996. Since then, he has returned to St. Jude for donations twice each month. He also volunteers regularly in the hospital’s patient care areas.

“When you sit with patients, you realize how grateful you are to be in a position to support St. Jude,” Clark says.

Throughout the years, he has donated more than 400 units of platelets at the Blood Donor Center.

“It’s so easy to give platelets,” Clark says, “and there’s no doubt that when you donate platelets, a patient will benefit.”

Every day St. Jude performs about 15 to 25 platelet transfusions for children undergoing treatment. Through Clark’s efforts, the center has saved up to $280,000 by not having to purchase blood products from outside suppliers.

If you live in the Memphis, Tennessee, area or plan to visit the hospital, you can schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets. Call 901-595-2024 or 1-866-278-5833, ext. 2024 or schedule online.