FAIRMONT — The act of donating blood has the potential to save lives. Inflicted with disasters, accidents, medical concerns and unfortunate circumstances, patients everywhere require blood transfusions. Without the necessary amount, outcomes for those who need it can quickly become detrimental. To eliminate this concern, American Red Cross volunteers will bring blood drives to Martin County in an effort to raise both blood supply and awareness.

Sue Thesenga is an American Red Cross Regional Communications Manager for North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. For 15 years, Thesenga and several members of the American Red Cross have held one of many responsibilities of informing communities about the need for blood donors and recruiting them.

“We’re always looking for blood drive sponsors. [The American Red Cross] wants to work with people and recruit blood donors,” Thesenga said.

According to Thesenga, the American Red Cross to date is not in a National Emergency Blood Shortage, however, the critical need for blood donations is present.

“In winter, we’re encouraging more and more people to donate. Thousands of blood donations go uncollected. Several drives have been canceled, and we need blood due to this weather,” she said.

The American Red Cross operates a blood inventory, a system that records the collection of blood. The amount of blood recorded in the inventory changes upon units entering the inventory and later leaving the inventory for distribution to hospitals and relief. According to the American Red Cross, approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day.

Thesenga stressed the point that the daily demand must be met. She hopes donors can empathize with families and individuals in need of a life-saving blood donation, regardless if they’ve undergone a medical procedure that required donated blood or not.

“Some patients need ongoing transfusions,” Thesenga emphasized. “People who need blood donations can understand how important it is. Looking at the daily blood inventory, we’re not collecting as much blood. [The American Red Cross] can’t manufacture blood; it’s perishable. We need the help of donors.”

Along with several Martin County residents who have alleviated the pressing need for donations, Fairmont native William “Bill” Bulfer is a long-time American Red Cross blood donor. He has stepped up to the plate and has given more than 120 donations–equaling more than 16 gallons of blood. He began donating as a young high school student 50 years ago and has continued to donate.

“It feels great [to help people],” Bulfer said, “[The American Red Cross] sends me a list of where the blood went, and I know that I helped.”

As an individual with type B-negative blood, one of the rarest blood types in less than two percent of the population, Bulfer can aid the higher demands for certain blood donations.

In comparison to Whole Blood donations, Bulfer donates double the amount of red blood cells (nearly two pints of blood) with Power Red blood donations. With a chuckle, Bulfer agreed giving the Power Reds donations is comparable to ‘hitting two birds with one stone’ enabling him to double his donation in one visit.

Bulfer explained he will be attending one of the upcoming blood drives in Martin County, wanting to reach the 20-gallon blood donation marker.

To reach potential donors, Thesenga and the American Red Cross recruit qualified people by email, phone calls, texts and through the media. Thesenga mentioned that many tactics are put in place to dodge any possibility of a National Emergency Blood Shortage.

“Sixty-two percent of the population eligible to donate, but only three percent donate,” Thesenga said. “As you age, things can defer donation, and a lot of our donors are aging out.”

To counter this issue, many blood drives are held during the school year at university and high school campuses.

“It’s a good thing for the students to give an hour out of their day to help people at no cost,” Thesenga remarked.

Qualified to give blood or not, the community can advocate for the American Red Cross with blood donations, financial donations, volunteering, spreading the word and several other opportunities to help save lives.

“It’s about helping our neighbors,” Thesenga said.

Upcoming open blood drives in Martin County include Feb. 11 at the Best Western Hotel in Fairmont, Feb. 21 at the American Legion in Fairmont, Feb. 24 at St. Paul’s Community Church in Welcome and Feb. 25 at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont. Type O and B-negative blood are in high demand currently. Following winter blood drives, more will appear in early spring. For information, registration, RapidPass, and more, contact (800) RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), visit www.redcrossblood.org, or text ‘BLOODAPP’ to 90999.