I think I was the first to start a blood bank in Connecticut

I do not know where the first blood bank was started, but I think I was the first to start a blood bank in Connecticut, and it was at New Haven Hospital in the spring of 1941.

I was hired by Dr. Smith, the head of the bacteriology department in Brady Lab. When I came for my interview he said, “I know nothing about blood banking, and I am going on vacation. It is up to you.” Obviously, I knew nothing about it either.

Blood was drawn, and it was necessary that I pick it up from the donor, type it, cross match it and deliver it to the patient in the operating room where it was needed.

Dr. Reo Marcotte was the hospital connection.

During World War II, Dr.------- and I drew and centrifuged many pints to store as plasma. We filled a large freezer in case it was needed! Fortunately, it was never needed.

Yes, there were many problems such as Rh-negative and Rh-positive bloods, to say nothing of other complications.

I am impressed with the superior blood bank at Yale-New Haven Hospital—a far cry from one refrigerator and one technician.

Elaine Frappier Berneike
Woodbridge, Conn.