Church of Scientology Hosts Successful Donation Drive for Florida Blood Services

Feb. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- CLEARWATER: The Church of Scientology collected a late Valentine’s Day gift of life for potentially more than 200 people this weekend at their Winter Blood Drive in downtown Clearwater. 68 donations in total were made and each donor received a free movie ticket.

         After donation, each pint can be broken down into three different elements – red blood cells, plasma and platelets. These elements, when frozen, can be stored, in some cases, for up to a year.

         “Platelets help cancer victims who are going through chemotherapy,” said Church of Scientology spokesperson Pat Harney. “Red blood cells help victims of trauma and plasma helps burn victims.”

         “It is estimated that 90% of the population of the United States will need one of these components in their lifetimes,” continued Ms. Harney.  “However, only 37% of the people who live in the US are eligible to donate, and only 10% of those actually do, so every donation really counts!”

         The drive took place adjacent to the Church’s headquarters in downtown Clearwater and was open to people of all faiths.

         “We have been doing 3 – 4 blood drives every year for over 20 years,” said Ms. Harney. “This is something that anyone who is in good health can contribute to and make a tangible difference. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote in the Code of a Scientologist that Scientologists pledge ‘To make this world a saner, better place.’ Any church or social betterment activity has this as a goal. Hosting an event for Florida Blood Services is one way that we can effectively do this.”

         The next donation drive for Florida Blood Services is scheduled for April 13th.

         Per www.scientology.org, Scientologists in 189 countries volunteered 4.8 million hours in service to their communities.