This article was published on News-n-Views
“The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give Blood.” These are the words that speak out to the members of the American Red Cross. There is always an opportunity to give blood, money or time to the organization and now it is the RSM community’s turn to donate. On Wednesday, March 31 the Red Cross is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walgreens in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Did you know that every year since 1943, March has been celebrated as National Red Cross month? President Franklin D. Roosevelt began the tradition that called Americans to “rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.” Every president from that moment forward has honored the work of the organization with the same designation each year.
It is a time to recognize the Red Cross as a true reflection of humanitarian and volunteer spirit. Before donating blood a few considerations should be reviewed. Remember to maintain a healthy iron level in your diet, drink an extra 16 ounces of liquid for hydration before donating and always have a healthy meal, avoiding foods high in fat just prior.
Each blood donation fills a need in another’s life. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. In 2006 alone a total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the country. Sickle cell disease is a major receiver of blood donations, more than 80,0000 people in the nation, of which 98 percent are African American. These patients require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.
Other patients who require transfusions or donated blood include the more than one million people who are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. As they go through their treatment they my require donated blood during their chemotherapy treatment or sometimes even on a daily basis. A car accident victim can also use the generous gift of life. A single person who has a serious injury from a vehicle collision can require as many as 100 pints of blood. The average single blood donation is a total of 3 pints.
There are stories of donors on the Red Cross website. One story is of John who says, “I donate every chance I get. I used to be a Captain in the Army and spent a year in Iraq. I still vividly remember whenever our base got attacked with rockets and mortars – there were injuries, and the call would go out for blood donors. Volunteers poured in. I never forgot that. Each time I donate, I reflect on that experience and hope that my contribution helps others. The free cookies are good too.”
The Walgreens is located at 30592 Santa Margarita Parkway in RSM. There will be a Bloodmobile in the Parking Lot. To learn more about the American Red Cross, donate or volunteer please visit www.redcrossblood.org.
