[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 23 (Monday, March 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA RED CROSS BLOOD PROGRAM HONORED

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                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 6, 2000

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
American Red Cross Blood Program in my District in Pennsylvania. On 
March 9, the local chapter will celebrate 50 years of service to 
Northeastern Pennsylvania. I am pleased and proud to have been asked to 
participate in the celebration.
  It is fitting, during American Red Cross Month, to acknowledge the 
outstanding service of the blood program. In 1950, the Wyoming Valley 
Chapter of Blood Services was formed. By the end of the first year, 
over 21,000 units of blood were collected and the unit was serving 17 
counties and 56 hospitals.
  In 1979, the facility moved to its current location in Hanover 
Industrial Estates and expanded service to 19 counties in Pennsylvania 
and 2 counties in New York. Expansion continued when Bloodmobile Buses 
were included, taking the collection effort throughout the district. By 
1999, the program included two bloodmobile units.
  Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that the American Red Cross is one of 
our nation's finest and most dedicated institutions, helping millions 
of people through disaster and difficulty. The blood program is a vital 
part of that effort. Currently the local chapter serves 1.5 million 
people, and in 1999, collected an unprecedented 87,600 units of blood.
  Blood collection assists in the care of the critically ill, premature 
newborns, accident victims, surgery patients, and burn victims. Over 
10,000 volunteers assist the staff of 200 professionals, currently led 
by Ms. Chris Rogers. The agency supplies blood to 41 hospitals in 
Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. In addition to collecting blood, 
the Blood Center offers blood testing, including typing and HIV 
testing.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring this milestone anniversary of the 
American Red Cross Blood Program of Northeastern Pennsylvania to the 
attention of my colleagues. I send these dedicated people my sincere 
gratitude for a ``job well done'' and best wishes for continued 
success.




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