Blood drive organized for injured Engineering professor Greg Reed

Greg Reed, a professor in the Swanson School of Engineering, was seriously injured earlier this month in a collision with an SUV while he was riding a bicycle near his home in Gibsonia.

He was life flighted to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he has undergone several surgeries for internal injuries and fractures, according to David Vorp, associate dean for Research at the engineering school, who was speaking on behalf of Reed’s family.

Vorp said Reed has not completely regained awareness, but he’s showing no signs of brain injury and has been moving his extremities on command. Reed’s wife told Vorp that Reed also was given enough blood during his first 24 hours to completely replace his body’s supply.

Now, Vorp and the school are working with Vitalant to coordinate the Greg Reed Virtual Replenishment Blood Drive. Instead of setting up a collection at a central location, donors are asked to give between July 13 and 19 at 10 Vitalant locations in Allegheny, Butler and Westmoreland counties, using the code Z0021127. Donors are asked to set up appointments in advance with Vitalant by calling 877-258-4825, or log on to Vitalant.org. 

Vorp also said they are adding an incentive to get people to donate: "In recognition of Greg’s passion for electric power technology, and as an added incentive to donate blood for the Greg Reed Virtual Replenishment Blood Drive during these times, we will randomly draw a donor name to win a Jackery Explorer 160 Portable Power Station ($150 value). This is a rechargeable battery-powered generator equipped with AC outlet, DC carport and USB charging ports to help keep all your gear charged or powered when not near traditional power sources. To be eligible, you must donate during the dates of the Blood Drive and use the code provided (Z0021127)."

Reed is the founder and inaugural director of the Energy Grid Institute and the Electric Power Systems Lab, as well as a professor of electrical power engineering in the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department.

In September 2019, he began serving an appointment as director for the National Science Foundation’s Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers Program, in the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships.

According to his bio on the Swanson School’s website, Reed also is an avid triathlete and accomplished Ironman competitor, faculty advisor to the Pitt Triathlon Club, a consistent USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship Qualifier, and an Ironman All-World Athlete.

Any questions can be directed to Vorp at vorp@pitt.edu.

— Susan Jones