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On Monday, the Red Cross issued an emergency call for blood. Over the holidays, the Red Cross saw 27,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than it needs to sustain a sufficient blood supply. There were fewer blood drives held to provide the needed donations, and busy holiday schedules tended to keep donors away from those that were held.
The Red Cross serves as the blood bank for hospitals. If it runs short, it means hospitals and emergency rooms may have to delay life-saving treatments as they search for blood.
Blood is a perishable commodity. It cannot be stockpiled and saved for later use. The blood supply needs to be replenished on a regular basis, and the only source of blood is volunteer donors.
Giving blood is easy and relatively painless. It does not take that long, and the good feeling you will get from donating blood lasts a lot longer than the time spent donating.
All eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood.
Blood drives in our area will be held again in February: from 1-6 p.m. Feb. 7 at Legends 2 in Ceylon and then Feb. 19-21 at the Holiday Inn in Fairmont. Times are 12:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 19, noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 20 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Holiday Inn.
It is not an exaggeration to say that donating blood saves lives. It is the easiest, most effective life-saving action a person can take. Please held the Red Cross save lives by giving blood.