Florida Blood Services and Volunteer Ministers Team up for Downtown Clearwater Blood Drive

June 19, 2012 - PRLog -- CLEARWATER: Saturday, June the 23rd, from 10:15am until 6:15pm, the Church of Scientology of Tampa’s Volunteer Ministers will be hosting a blood drive for Florida Blood Services on Park Street between Fort Harrison and Garden Avenues.

This is the third blood drive of the year.

“Last year, we collected 271 units of blood,” says Church spokesperson Pat Harney, “and this year we are lining up to exceed that. When you realize that one pint of blood can save up to three lives, this really adds up. Our Volunteer Ministers have been participating in these blood drives for the last few years and we are very honored to have them.”

Ms. Harney cites the many international relief efforts undertaken by the Volunteer Ministers, from 9/11 to brush fires in California to last year’s Japanese earthquake and Tsunami.

“They are a group dedicated to helping mankind in the oldest of religious traditions. These drives with Florida Blood Services are just a portion of what we do to continue that,” said Ms. Harney.

People wishing to donate need to be at least 16 years old, in good health and weigh over 110 pounds.

“It only takes 20 minutes to a half hour to donate,” continued Ms. Harney, “and it is something that can really make a difference in a person’s life.”

Per the Florida Blood Services website, blood donations help trauma victims, newborns, premature babies, people recovering from chemotherapy and burn victims. Their website also notes that 90% of the population will need blood, plasma or platelets in the course of their lives, only 10% actually donate.

Ms. Harney says that the blood drive is open to the public and the donors can be of any denomination. She added, “The Founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard said that ‘Life is a group effort. None survive alone.’ We - and I am talking about all humanity - can make a difference, one person at a time. ”

If you wish to donate, please contact 727-467-6860 for more information.