Englewood Cliffs Ambulance Corps Holds Blood Drive
August 11, 2008
Two elements often needed in a life-threatening emergency are an ambulance and blood. In Englewood Cliffs on Saturday, the volunteer ambulance corps had one, and was trying to collect the other. NY1’s Samantha Liebman filed the following report.
The Englewood Cliffs Volunteer Ambulance Corps celebrated its latest purchase Saturday afternoon – a new ambulance.
"Our old one was too old and broke down,” said Walter Grundel, president of the Englewood Cliffs Volunteer Ambulance Corps. “But we had to take a loan out because we didn't have all the money."
But money isn't the only thing in short supply here. Just as much as the ambulance corps needed a new ambulance, they also need blood to help save lives. So the corps invited the Community Blood Services bloodmobile to the celebration.
"It benefits pretty much everybody,” said John Posner, the captain of the ambulance corps. “It brings a lot of people here for our barbeque in the hopes that they're going to donate blood."
Officials said these donations were only a drop in the bucket.
"There's always a need for blood,” said Lisa Ward, a nurse with Community Blood Services. “About three percent of the population donates."
While the celebration continued outside, a sign served as a reminder that the ambulance corps also needs monetary donations.
"We appreciate if anybody donates because we get minimal money from the town and the rest is from donations,” Grundel said. “And our budget is over $40,000."
For those who cannot give money, giving blood is the easiest way to help save lives.
"It's an easy process,” Ward said. “The donation is very simple. So long as they make sure they eat and drink before they donate, they should be fine."
If you would like to donate, call Community Blood Services at 201-444-3900. To make a donation to the Ambulance Corps, call 201-567-6060.
- Samantha Liebman
August 11, 2008
Englewood Cliffs Ambulance Corps Holds Blood Drive
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