Governor Gina Raimondo, Dunkin’ Donuts Kick Off National Blood Donor Month at Rhode Island Blood Cente

Dunkin’ Donuts offering $5 DD Card to all presenting blood donors this month
in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts
Press Conference Podcast

Providence, RI – Jan. 7, 2016 – Dunkin’ Donuts is once again showing its appreciation for local blood donors with its DD Donors program. From Jan. 1 through Jan. 31, as part of National Blood Donor Month, all presenting donors at Rhode Island Blood Center locations in Rhode Island, and at Rhode Island Blood Center mobile drives and American Red Cross locations in Southeastern Massachusetts, will receive a $5 DD Card.

Observed every January, National Blood Donor Month was launched in 1970. Its goal: Drive attention to the importance of volunteer blood donation.
“Donating blood is, quite simply, giving someone the gift of life,” said Dunkin’ Donuts Rhode Island franchisee Joe Prazeres. “We are always proud to support Rhode Island Blood Center’s work, and we hope our DD Donors program will help encourage more of our neighbors to donate blood.”

Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo joined Dunkin’ Donuts at the Rhode Island Blood Center in Providence today to celebrate National Blood Donor Month and launch the DD Donors program.
“The Rhode Island Blood Center does vitally important work, directly contributing to healthy and strong communities,” said Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “A healthy Rhode Island is key to a healthy economy. I urge Rhode Island blood donors to continue making these life-saving gifts this month and throughout the year. Your donations are always in constant demand.”

Also on-hand to tell her inspiring story at today’s event was West Warwick resident Ronda Matarese. For nearly five years, Matarese has received infusions of intravenous immunoglobin (IVIG) every three weeks. IVIG is made from donated plasma and used to treat an autoimmune disorder she has lived with since 2010. As a recipient whose well-being depends on donated blood, Matarese certainly has an appreciation for donors’ generosity. As a former emergency medical technician who now trains prospective first responders, she also has a professional understanding of just how many lives blood donors can change – or save.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Blood Utilization Report, somone in the country needs a blood transfusion every two seconds. In Rhode Island, more than 200 units of blood are needed every day in order to maintain an adequate supply for the patients and hospitals the Blood Center serves.

“Dunkin’ Donuts is a valuable partner in the success of the Rhode Island Blood Center, and we are thrilled to partner with them again this year,” Scott Asadorian, vice president and chief operating officer of the Rhode Island Blood Center said. “Across the state, approximately 370,000 people are eligible to donate blood – but only about 5 percent do. Programs like DD Donors are a nice thank you for those who present to donate blood.”

The Rhode Island Blood Center has donor centers in Providence, Warwick, Narragansett, Woonsocket, Westerly and Middletown – and holds over 1,000 blood drives across the state each year. To find a blood drive or donor center in your neighborhood, visit www.DDdonors.com.