The massacre at Virginia Tech has touched us all, regardless of whether or not we knew anyone there. We feel for the students, for their parents who surely were in agony waiting to hear from their kids and for all the family and friends who lost a loved one. It is a tragedy of mass proportions.
If you're like me, you want to DO something to help.
The only thing I can think of to do is give blood.
All of the blood needed for the victims of this mass shooting was already in the hospitals. It was needed RIGHT THEN, no time for a line to form. We need to donate regularly so it's there when it's needed.
There is no substitute for human blood. Scientists haven't come up with anything else that will work; only the blood that we donate will save lives.
Donated blood can be stored for only 45 days. It is perishable and the supply needs to be replenished continuously. In a lifetime, nearly each one of us will have a need for donated blood.
We are eligible to give blood if we are over 17 years of age, in reasonably good health and more than 110 pounds. I'd guess that describes most of us.
You'll be given a mini-physical before donation. This is a good health screening for you as well as a protection for the person who will receive your blood. After donating, you can give blood again in 56 days. Your body will make nice, fresh blood for you. Some studies show that regularly giving blood may lower heart attacks and cardiac problems, although more studies are being done. But blood donation isn't about YOUR health. It's about doing something to save someone you'll never even know.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. How many is that just since you started reading?
While 60% of us are eligible to give blood, only 5% of us actually do. The one pint that you donate can save up to three lives. Three lives. Isn't that worth an hour or so of your time? Ask the parents of the Virginia Tech students, they'll tell you it IS worth the time. Every time. Always.
I can't donate right now because it has been less than 56 days since I last donated. My blood is already waiting for someone in an emergency, and I feel better for it.
Please let this be my challenge to you to give. You can't wait until an emergency; the blood has to be there already. Don't say you don't have time. If you were one of the parents from Virginia Tech, would that excuse be enough? Sorry to be harsh, but this is a simple thing most of us are able to do. Please help.
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Sarah, or you can give Blood Plasma - twice a week - this i believe is in demand in Iraq.
Thank you, Danny. I didn't know that!
Sarah, we already got the pitch at church last week as the blood mobile will be visiting us this sunday coming. You're absolutely right. We have it. They need it. We won't miss it when we give it up. It can save a life. What is there to think about? Good job.
I daughter just tried to give blood, but she doesn't weigh enough. I think the weight limit is 115 lbs. FYI
Thank you. I'm preaching to the choir here, aren't I? I'm so glad! It always makes me tired when I give blood so my husband and kids don't really like it when I give. (I suppose I get grouchy.) But I do it any time we have a local blood drive and I'm elligible. Like you said, they need it. I'll make more.
Thanks Chris. I used the American Red Cross site's information for this post, and they said 110 pounds. Maybe it's different in different areas? Please thank your daughter for trying to give, and take her out for a cheeseburger and a chocolate shake. ;o)
I use to donate blood alot in my 20's. Thanks for the blog. Reminded me that I should donate again.
Great post - great reminder - thanks for being you and getting the word out
Christina and Thesa - You are very welcome. I'm not trying to be pushy but GIVE BLOOD.
:o) Thanks for putting up with me!
We should ALL give blood more often. I do when I can, but I think more businesses and non-profit organizations should work more with the Red Cross soliciting donations. My old employer used to get the bloodmobile to our company and would encourage employees to give.
Sarah-
Good reminder. We all need to give back something for times just like these. It's not always about giving money. Thanks for posting this : )
Michael - I love it when employers do blood drives! Everyone gives 'cause they all want some time off, and a cookie. ;o)
Kelli - No, it's NOT about money, this is something that won't hurt you at all to give, and it only helps. Thank YOU.
Sarah.... as several have said, great post and reminder. At this moment, I am still watching the Fox news channel on what happened yesterday.
Hi, Jeff! Thanks for your post calling more attention to this. I actually am trying to get signed up as a bone marrow donor thanks to Julie Ferenzi's post, which you brought to my attention. Very good stuff you've got going here! :o)
Hey Sarah.. seems like we have the same issues.. i'm refused because it hasn't been 3 months. i could give every month!! I will admit that i'm steered away from it sometimes because they always want to confirm a social security number and i flee from that. but if they want it, i give blood.. it's always a good thing to put that help out there for others.