The thought of a loved one being injured in a terrible accident and dying for lack of blood to replace what they’ve lost is too horrific to even consider, particularly in an industrialized nation like the U.S. We expect that replacement blood units will always be available if we are in need of them, whether it’s the result of significant blood loss or for ongoing treatment of an illness.
Blood, however, does not magically appear when we need it ”“ its availability is based largely on donors’ willingness to give during times when they are healthy. And, yes, that means you.
Put simply, you never know when you or someone you care about will need a transfusion. It’s a service we do for each other, as a human society, to ensure that the supply is there should we ever need it ourselves.
The need for blood donations is real and always ongoing. Summer and autumn, when people are more likely to be taking part in outdoor activities that can lead to injury, is the perfect time to heed the call for blood (although arguably the vampire theme at Halloween is more fun for soliciting donations.) Bicycling, water sports, motorcycling, team sports, skating and a variety of other fun activities many of us enjoy in the warmer months can sometimes result in injuries that result in blood loss. Those fun activities also mean that we’re all busier during the summer, trying to make the most of the narrow window of opportunity for summer activities. This means, in turn, that blood donations decrease just when they are needed most.
Everyone should make a point of donating blood at least once a year to ensure that supplies remain flush. It’s particularly important to have a variety of donors, since all blood is not created equal; not everyone can accept certain kinds of blood. The American Red Cross says donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed.
Most phlebotomists today are well-trained in finding your best vein and making a clean draw of it, and blood draw stations are stocked with snacks, juice and even places to lie down while you take a few moments to recuperate. Rolling up your sleeve and dealing with one little needle prick is a small sacrifice when you think about the real impact of your blood in saving the life of someone in need.
Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Red Cross is encouraging donations by giving out mason jar tumblers, while supplies last, and many venues that host blood drives also offer incentives, from movie passes to food coupons. We’d like to join the Red Cross in encouraging our readers to take a half hour out of their day to donate; appointments can be made to ensure the timing is convenient, and sites are held in multiple locations. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to check out upcoming donation sites and learn more about blood donation. The site has all sorts of information about how to prepare yourself for donation, what to expect, whether you’re eligible to donate and how your donation will make a difference.
Just one pint of blood can save three lives, according to the Red Cross.
Check it out and plan to attend a blood draw. If you don’t get around to it soon, do it later ”“ even though summer is a time of particular urgency, there’s no deadline, as the need for blood is ongoing. A little effort can help save a life.
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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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