Memorial Hermann Hospital Opens Blood Center Site
Longtime Volunteer Becomes “Five Gallon Donor”

When the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center opened a new donation location at Memorial Hermann Hospital last month, Wilmer Sam rolled up his sleeve to encourage other Houstonians to donate.

Sam, a longtime volunteer and president of the Memorial Hermann Hospital Volunteer Organization, recently became a “five gallon donor” after 28 years of donating blood. Taking his “Gift of Life” commitment seriously, Sam began donating blood in 1975 and continues to donate three to five times per year.

“I saw a need to help my community,” said Sam. “Just as my blood type is called ‘Universal,’ or O Positive, so is the ability to donate blood. By sharing my story and enthusiasm with as many people as possible, I hope to appeal to everyone from all over our city to join me in this long-term commitment.”

“I am delighted that Memorial Hermann Hospital has a facility that permits friends and family members to donate on behalf of patients,” said James H. “Red” Duke, M.D., medical director of Life Flight at Memorial Hermann Hospital and the John B. Holmes Professor of Clinical Sciences and professor of surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. “It is an enormously valuable asset, and not only makes donation convenient, but allows donations to occur when concerned individuals are in the hospital.”

“Recently, in one week alone, 82 adults, five children and four infants received blood transfusions at Memorial Hermann Hospital and Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital,” said Beth Anne Hartwell, M.D., medical director of laboratory services at Memorial Hermann Hospital and an associate pathology professor at UT-Houston Medical School.

In addition to his dedication to the Blood Center’s efforts, Sam takes an active role with the Memorial Hermann Hospital Volunteer Organization. He has a special interest in helping patient families in the Emergency Center, Shock Trauma and ICU waiting areas, but his favorite part of volunteering is visiting patient rooms.

“I view myself as a patient ambassador, making sure each person I visit feels like someone is there watching out for them, even when their families can’t always be present,” said Sam. “One of my favorite sayings is, ‘Humanity is at its tallest when we reach out to others.’”

Sam takes that phrase to heart, whether it’s helping to save a life as a blood donor or just being a comfort to someone in need.

“With Memorial Hermann’s Level I Trauma status, an onsite donation center has been long awaited,” Hartwell said. “Its location near the Shock Trauma ICU waiting room on the first floor of Robertson Pavilion is an ideal place for optimal use. Family members waiting for word on their loved ones can break the tension and actively do something to help by donating blood as others have done to help their own hospitalized relatives.”

The donation process is simple, taking only about 30 to 45 minutes. Memorial Hermann Hospital’s Blood Donor Center hours of operation are Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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