Our View: It's in our blood to give all we can
On Friday, July 13, donors responded to a High Country media alert: An American Red Cross blood drive sponsored by local media, including Watauga Democrat, that collected 170 units — enough to save the lives of more than 500 people.
For that, donors, volunteers and staff alike earn a “well-done.”
But for the critical need that is still a part of our community, this and every successful blood drive is also a “well-begun.”
The Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross estimates that hospitals in our area use about 1,500 blood products each day. Nationwide, someone needs a blood transfusion every two seconds.
Place these statistics in contrast to the number of those who donate — only about 5 percent of the eligible population — and the result is a daily struggle to balance supply with need.
For those who have given blood during the past 56 days — the minimum length of time between donations — you deserve our thanks. You have saved more lives than you will ever know.
For those who are past donors and have yet to make a next appointment, or for those who are potential blood donors, your help in addressing our community's and nation's critical blood shortage is now needed.
Blood donations from start to finish typically require less than 30 minutes of your time. Put in perspective — 30 minutes every 56 days to save three lives — the decision to donate is an easy one to make.
Visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation to find a blood drive near you.
For that, donors, volunteers and staff alike earn a “well-done.”
But for the critical need that is still a part of our community, this and every successful blood drive is also a “well-begun.”
The Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross estimates that hospitals in our area use about 1,500 blood products each day. Nationwide, someone needs a blood transfusion every two seconds.
Place these statistics in contrast to the number of those who donate — only about 5 percent of the eligible population — and the result is a daily struggle to balance supply with need.
For those who have given blood during the past 56 days — the minimum length of time between donations — you deserve our thanks. You have saved more lives than you will ever know.
For those who are past donors and have yet to make a next appointment, or for those who are potential blood donors, your help in addressing our community's and nation's critical blood shortage is now needed.
Blood donations from start to finish typically require less than 30 minutes of your time. Put in perspective — 30 minutes every 56 days to save three lives — the decision to donate is an easy one to make.
Visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation to find a blood drive near you.