Contact: Nancy Troutman 768-1408 ext. 232 Jan Dodson Barnhart 277-7175 Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920

October 28, 2002 UNM GENERAL LIBRARY SPONSORS 5th ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE UNM Campus Police Detective's son focus of drive The University of New Mexico General Library and other campus groups team up with United Blood Services (UBS) for the fifth year to sponsor a blood drive Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 30-31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year, the need for the blood drive hits home to the University community. UNM Campus Police Detective Michael McGinnis has an 18-year-old son, Chris, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia and will be using blood components. "We ask the University's participation in the drive to help replenish the community blood supply," said McGinnis. Chris may also need a bone marrow transplant, so interested individuals may sign up for the National Bone Marrow Registry at the drive. "Not only might this help Chris, but also others awaiting a transplant," said Nancy Troutman, UBS community relations representative. "Through this blood drive we benefit United Blood Services and the needs of people in the community on and off campus. This event brings the campus community - from north, south and main campus - together to make this a success. With an ambitious goal of 250 pints of blood we rely on students, staff and faculty participation to help us attain that goal," says Jan Dodson Barnhart, program manager, library development office. The drive will take place at three campus sites both days: Zimmerman Library, and at UBS buses at the Research Park between buildings 801 and 851, and at Yale and Las Lomas. "Since UBS requires 250 pints daily to keep up with their needs in New Mexico and the four corners region, there is always a critical need," says Troutman. She adds that people can register online for an appointment for this drive by visiting http://www.unitedbloodservices.org. Indicate "UNM" as the sponsor. UBS reports that widespread participation is needed because the theoretical risk of transmitting the human form of Mad Cow Disease forced new restrictions that now prevent the following individuals from being able to donate blood: Anyone who has traveled to, or resided in, Europe for a total time of five or more years between 1980 and the present. Anyone who has traveled to, or resided in, the United Kingdom for a total of three months or longer between 1980 and 1996. Members of the military and their families as well as civilian employees who spent a total of six months or more on military bases in Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Turkey, Italy or Greece between 1980 and 1996. Anyone who received a blood transfusion in the United Kingdom between 1980 and the present. Troutman says that less than four percent of the eligible population donates. "And those who do donate can only do so every 56 days," she says. Anyone who has gotten a tattoo in the last year is also deferred. Although tattoo artists use a new needle for each customer, they reuse the ink. So, by putting a clean needle in dirty ink, they are driving up the number of Hepatitis C cases. "Not only will those individuals be ineligible to give blood, they will be future recipients," said Troutman. # # #

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
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Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
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