JPL has been hosting bi-annual blood drives in conjunction with the Red Cross of America since at least 1951. This image, taken during the drive held 13 April 1955, depicts a JPL nurse drawing blood from a JPL donor. The blood donated during these drives was collected into the 'JPL Blood Bank,’ from which blood was specifically allocated to JPL staffers and their family members in need. Always, but especially now, donating blood is vital for our public health, and as Lab Administrator V.C. Larsen, Jr. said, "That pint of blood you donate might save a life, and that life might be your own!"

We’d love to hear from you! If you can identify anyone in this photo, or for more information about the history of JPL, please contact the JPL Archives at archives@jpl.nasa.gov. CL#20-4855

TAGS:HISTORY, BLOOD DRIVES, RED CROSS, NURSE, DONOR

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  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Kylie I Casino, Processing Archivist

  Kylie I Casino, MLIS, MA is a processing archivist who appraises and processes collections for the JPL Archives, and makes historical resources available about the history of JPL.