Ocean State Veterinary Specialists and Rhode Island Blood Center Join Forces for Annual Staff Blood Drive

In April, Ocean State Veterinary Specialists (OSVS) hosted its second annual Staff Blood Drive in partnership with the Rhode Island Blood Center, in which generous OSVS staff rolled up their sleeves to donate blood. Committed to this life-saving cause, OSVS has turned the drive into a biannual tradition, with the next OSVS Staff Blood Drive scheduled for Friday, August 16. 

While the event benefits human lives, OSVS, alongside its sister hospital, Bay State Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Services, runs a comprehensive blood bank program for animals. Each year, around 50 dogs and cats contribute to this program, with each donation potentially saving up to four lives.

In 2022, OSVS utilized a significant amount of blood products, including 490 units of packed red blood cells (pRBC), 417 units of plasma, 18 platelets, 63 units of albumin, and 12 units of whole blood. These vital resources are crucial for treating various serious conditions in pets, such as trauma, internal bleeding, immune-mediated diseases, bone marrow disorders, and liver failure. Having a steady supply of blood and plasma at the hospital has been instrumental in saving countless lives of cats and dogs.

By partnering with the Rhode Island Blood Center, OSVS underscores its commitment to the community, including both humans and pets.. For more information, visit OSVS.net.