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Annual Gift Of Life Red Cross Blood Drive
By Frederick Corrigan
Wednesday, January 27th , is a very special day in New England. Starting in December, TV station NECN (New England Cable News), located in Newton, Massachusetts, has been promoting their annual Red Cross Blood Drive. Let’s look at some facts and ‘did you know’ questions. For all of you folks living in the state of Massachusetts: Did you know that we have to import blood every month?
Only 5% of Americans give blood annually. When we donate blood, that blood is only good for 42 days. This isn’t a problem in our state because we have so many great world famous hospitals and the need is always there. When there is an emergency of large proportions, do they ship blood in to that area? The answer is generally ‘no’, because handling, refrigeration and product stability are all concerns. If you or your child were in an accident and needed blood, would anyone know what your blood type is? When you donate blood, you are given a blood donor’s card with an ID number, the region (New England) that you donated in, your blood type and your name. How valuable is this card in possibly saving your life or someone you love.
How many parents send their teenage children to the ski areas, on vacation or off to summer camp? Will they be in an automobile with other teenagers?
Can teenagers donate blood? The answer is ‘yes’. Should they donate blood? The answer is ‘yes’. The first reason is the blood donor identification card. The second reason is life’s lesson of responsibility. We all need to be responsible for helping each other. Let’s say that your 18 year old son had a friend who got into an accident and the hospital needed blood donors. Would your son donate? If so, why not make it a regular event and donate as a family, before the need is there? I was sitting in the waiting area of a recent Red Cross Blood Drive, filling out my questionnaire, when a woman stepped up to the sign- in table. She got her questionnaire and then asked “can my mother donate blood?” “How old is your mother and is she in good health” asked the receptionist. “Well she’s right here and she’s 85” replied the lady. Did you know that if you’re in good health, that you are never too old to donate? Well, the lady’s mom donated that day! I donated 6 times, in 2009, which was a first for me.
While having a snack, at the snack table, after my 6th donation, I was feeling quite proud of my accomplishment (for having given 6 times in one year). Just then, a lady came into the waiting area and she was smiling from ear to ear. One of the technicians came up and asked, “why the big smile”? The proud lady answered “this donation makes 3 gallons for me”. If you do the math, at 1 pint per donation, this lady is very special. You can donate 1 pint of whole blood every 54 days; so 6 times a year is maximum. This “Annual Gift of Life Blood Drive” is important to all of New England. So,” Hats off” to all of the companies, organizations and blood donors that make these Red Cross Programs work around the world.
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Contributor's Note
Each pint of blood can save up to three lives.
Some people GET---Some people GIVE---Some people do BOTH.
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I've donated blood before. It's a good thing to do. Thanks Frederick for putting that act in the spotlight.
Regards,
Jim
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Thanks for your support, Jim. The goal today is 2010 pints of blood, which happens to be the daily need for New England.
Best to you,
Frederick
Excellent intel and of course, a topic well worth addressing over and over again.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Like all things good, June, we have to keep them going or they may fade.
Thank for your comments.
Best wishes.
Frederick
Blood is always in short supply and it is really a social duty to provide it. In Europe there are donation buses that drive round regular routes so people can donate without having to travel very far. I was a regular donor from the age of 16 although only the serumn was of use but by the time I was 20 I was told that my blood could no longer be used - even for serum.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
It's always interesting to hear how things are done in other parts of the world, Arthur.
Thank you for sharing you fine comments.
Best to you.
Frederick
Good on you Frederick, excellent read, thank you.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Thanks for the visit and for your support.
Best to you.
Frederick
I have learned to B positive.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Thanks for the visit, Franklyn.
Just don't forget to donate.
Have a great day.
Frederick
My family and I used to donate blood twice a year when I lived in the UK, but when we moved to Spain we couldn´t give blood in case we had "Mad Cow Disease". Seriously!! Ten years on they still don't want it, even though there is a shortage.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Thanks for your comments, Keith.
Giving as a family is a great thing. I'm no doctor so I can't completely understand Spain's thinking. Keep trying they may wake up.
Best wishes.
Frederick
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