Give Blood: Donation trend must be reversed
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Despite plea after plea, incentive after incentive, the American Red Cross says it is still experiencing the lowest number of people giving in 20 years. Levels are critically low all over the country, with shortages everywhere and the possibility looming in some places that lifesaving medical procedures will have to be put on hold.
To put the problem into sharper focus, the Red Cross says over the past two decades, the number of people donating to the Red Cross has fallen by 40%. That leads to crises such as the 7,000-unit shortfall experienced between Christmas and New Year's Day.
"Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion," said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. "More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types - especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets - are urged to give now."
Here in the Mid-Ohio Valley, opportunities include: noon to 6 p.m. today at Gilman United Methodist Church, 312 Gilman Ave., Marietta; 1-6 p.m. Thursday at Washington United Methodist Church, 10468 DuPont Road, Washington, W.Va.; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at Parkersburg Blood Donation Center, 3210 Dudley Ave., Parkersburg; noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 15 at Wingate Hotel, 1502 Grand Central Ave., Vienna; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Dyson Baudo Recreation Center, 215 5th St., Marietta; 1-6 p.m. Jan. 17 at Grand Central Mall, 100 Grand Central Mall, Vienna; and 1-6 p.m. Jan. 18 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 205 Court St., Ripley.
Though it is a shame it has become necessary, the Red Cross also partnered with the National Football League to offer donors entry for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
Potential donors shouldn't need such long-shot enticements to convince them to roll up their sleeves. The knowledge they can be part of reversing this sad, decades-long trend AND saving lives should be enough.
Pick your location, folks; and go get it done.