Sampson Regional Medical Center recently relocated its blood donor center from the hospital’s laboratory to the Outpatient Diagnostics Center, located just blocks from the main hospital. The new location provides greater convenience and access for the hospital’s current donors, hospital officials said. Also, by relocating the blood donor center to the Outpatient Diagnostics Center, the hospital hopes to grow community awareness of blood donor services and attract new donors.

The Sampson Regional Medical Center Foundation helped fund the relocation of the donor center. Proceeds from the 2012 Golf Tournament provided nearly $25,000 for the project, which included the purchase of new equipment and necessary room renovations.

“The Foundation Board felt that this project would benefit both SRMC and the community by providing more convenient parking and easier accessibility for our blood donors, as well as a beautiful facility to use,” said Brenda Warren, executive director of the Foundation. “It is our hope that it will encourage more community members to become regular donors, which would be a win-win situation for the hospital and the community in providing an ample blood supply for our patients.”

According to Ann Cortes, laboratory director, the blood donor center will maintain its usual hours of operation: Monday-Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. for walk-ins and appointments. On Thursdays and Fridays, the center is open by appointment only because these days are when the Mobile Blood Bank typically travels to businesses, civic groups, schools, and churches for blood drives. The blood donor center will also open one evening per month to provide after-hours donor service.

Sampson Regional Medical Center is one of just a few hospitals in the state that provides most all of its blood supply. This makes blood donor services at SRMC a vital part of patient care. It’s important for the Blood Donor Center to maintain an adequate blood supply at all times.

Sampson Regional Medical Center (SRMC) is a progressive healthcare facility located in Clinton, NC. SRMC has served the medical needs of the people in Sampson County since 1950. The 146-bed facility offers a full range of medical services — from outpatient surgery, radiology, and nuclear medicine to cardiopulmonary and pediatrics. SRMC provides comprehensive hospital and community-based services that preserve and restore health, provide comfort, and maintain dignity for all who seek care.