Southcoast Blood Bank wants to increase local supply

In his role as a paramedic and firefighter, Mark Pavao doesn’t think twice about treating people with serious injuries. The sight of blood is a common occurrence in his profession.

“I can draw blood,” said Pavao, who works in Somerset. “I’ve been in the ER. As long as I am in control of the needle, I’m OK.”

It’s when the tables are turned that the Swansea resident becomes a little squeamish. Pavao starts to break out in a sweat when he gets blood drawn. He is not even a fan of getting his finger pricked for a blood test.

Despite his reservations, Pavao began donating blood five years ago. There was a drive at the Somerset Ambulance Building and Pavao recruited one of his co-workers to come along with him to donate. He gritted his way through it and has been coming back every time the Southcoast Health Van pays a visit. Pavao is closing in on his first gallon.  

“I know the importance of it,” said Pavao. “There are people that get hurt. I’ve been doing my job since 2000 and I’ve seen a lot of patients that needed blood.”

Pavao is typically one of the first people to sign up when a blood drive is happening. He also serves as recruiter, rounding up prospective donors.  

“I’m a stickler for giving blood,” said Pavao. “I’ll ask around and try to get other people to donate. I’ve convinced some people to give it a shot just so they can see me give.”

Even though he has never received blood personally, Pavao dutifully donates because he feels it’s another way to lend a hand to those in need.

“It’s not the benefit of yourself, it’s the benefit of helping other people,” Pavao said. “By helping others it goes a long way.”

Southcoast Hospitals' donor program coordinator Catherine Alegria wishes there were more Mark Pavaos out there. Through local donations, the Southcoast Blood Bank collects 37 percent of the blood it needs to treat patients. The rest of the blood must be purchased from the national supply.

In times of crisis, like the recent hurricane or during the 9/11 tragedy, the national blood supply is used up quickly. The more blood Southcoast has in its reserves, the less it has to tap in to the national supply. “If we can get it from our own community we don’t have to worry about the national blood supply,” said Alegria. “That frees it up to go elsewhere.”

Alegria said every pint donated at a Southcoast blood drive stays within the hospital system. To serve as an incentive, the Blood Bank will be giving away Southcoast Hospitals’ “I’m a Donor” T-shirts to anyone who gives blood during the month of September.

The entire process takes between 20 and 30 minutes, including a screening prior to the donation. Anyone interested in giving can visit the Southcoast Blood Bank located at 101 Page Street in New Bedford. The blood bank is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Evening hours are available on Wednesdays until 7:30 p.m.