MILFORD, Conn. (June 30, 2023) – The American Red Cross is pleased to announce an exciting new opportunity for individuals to make a lifesaving difference by donating blood and platelets at the Terranova Family Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Milford (486 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford, CT, 06460).
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday night, the blood donation center celebrated a significant milestone. The center was renamed as a heartfelt tribute to the Terranova family, residents of Milford who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the community through their involvement with the Red Cross. This surprise announcement further emphasized their immeasurable impact on the lives of others.
"We are thrilled to unveil the newly named Terranova Family Red Cross Blood Donation Center, recognizing a special family that continues to leave a lasting impact on our community," said Mario Bruno, CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. "Their remarkable contributions spanning over multiple generations have inspired us all, and this renaming is a deeply meaningful gesture to honor the Terranova family’s legacy in Milford and beyond."
This event also celebrated the expansion of Red Cross services to offer platelet donation opportunities. The Red Cross only collects platelets at blood donation centers. This new facility marks the opening of the first Red Cross blood donation center in New Haven County to collect platelets, and second in the state.
The event brought together Red Cross leadership, volunteers, blood donors and recipients, supporters, as well as local elected officials and community members, united in their shared commitment to making a lifesaving difference.
“I am so proud of the longstanding contribution of the Terranova family and all the dedicated Board Members and volunteers of the American Red Cross in Milford over the years,” said Mayor Richard Smith, City of Milford. “We are grateful for their continued partnership and honored to have an expanded Red Cross lifesaving presence here in our community.”
“Webster is a long-time supporter of the American Red Cross,” said Marissa Weidner, Webster’s Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer. “We are pleased to have provided funding for this new donation center, which will help to expand these important blood services in our communities."
The Red Cross is grateful for generous donors: The Diebold Foundation; Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, Inc.; John and Lynn Sheppard; Christian and Eva Trefz; and Webster Bank.
Terranova family’s legacy of compassion and commitment
The Terranova family's deep connection with the Red Cross spans generations, beginning with Anne Marie Terranova, who volunteered in the 1960s, transporting blood donors to and from their appointments. In honor of his mother, Milford resident Lucian Terranova joined the Red Cross in 2000, volunteering in a similar role providing transportation to doctor appointments for patients in need. Currently serving on the Connecticut Chapter Board of Directors, Lucian is an advocate for blood donation and played a pivotal role in establishing the new blood donation center in Milford. Lucian's wife, Phyllis, stands alongside him in service to the Red Cross. Phyllis exemplifies the spirit of giving as a blood donor, a valued member of the organization’s Tiffany Circle, and a devoted volunteer at local blood drives.
The family's commitment to the Red Cross extends to their children and grandchildren. Lisa Allen and Laura Terranova, Lucian and Phyllis's daughters, have been dedicated blood donors since high school. Laura, who once relied on emergency blood transfusions to save her life, is a passionate advocate for blood donation. She organizes multiple blood drives annually in her workplace and community. Lisa and Laura are proud to donate together, passing on their passion for giving back to their own children.
Importance of platelet donation
Platelets are the clotting portion of blood and are needed for many reasons, but they are primarily given to cancer patients. These tiny cells have a very short shelf life – just five days from the time they are donated – so there is a constant, often critical, need for new and current donors to give to keep up with hospital demand for platelets.
Having a readily available blood supply is vital for patients whose survival depends on transfusions. Donating blood is essential to community health, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets at the Terranova Family Red Cross Blood Donation Center, donors can feel good knowing that they may be helping patients not only in their community, but also their family and friends across the nation.
“From mothers experiencing childbirth complications to those facing trauma situations in the emergency room, many of us may be connected to someone who has relied on lifesaving blood products,” said Bruno. “The Red Cross is pleased to offer donors this new opportunity to help provide hope, healing and access to treatment for patients in need.”
Give blood or platelets today
The Red Cross asks donors to make plans now to give blood or platelets after a concerning shortfall in donations last month. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type B negative or O negative blood as well as platelet donors, are needed to make an appointment to give now to ensure blood remains available for patients this summer.
In addition to the Terranova Family Red Cross Blood Donation Center, individuals will also continue to be able to give blood at Red Cross blood drives across Connecticut.
How to donate blood or platelets
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. In Connecticut, individuals who are 16 years of age with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.