The American Red Cross is in need of our help.
The organization recently declared an emergency blood shortage, especially for types O positive and B negative. According to the Red Cross, the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June.
Here's why that's especially bad right now. This is the height of "trauma season." We're outdoors. We're hiking the backwoods. We're enjoying boats and bikes and scooters. And we're at a greater risk for significant injury, ones that could necessitate a need for a blood transfusion.
"A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine. Without it, lifesaving treatments and critical access points to care are not possible," said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. "Emergency departments, operating rooms, and labor and delivery units can’t support patients with the most urgent needs, and cancer patients must wait. We're asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions."
So how do we lend a hand? By figuratively and literally rolling up our sleeves.
We help by donating blood. It's relatively quick and not very painful. Our pints provide the cushion hospitals need in their blood supplies. There also is the option for Power Red donations, where a few more minutes in the chair allows you to donate a concentrated dose of red cells that are given to trauma patients, newborns and emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia and anyone suffering blood loss.
There are several ways to book an appointment. You can go to the Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donate between now and July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket (up to $15) by email.
And there are plenty of opportunities locally to donate: July 15 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3536 Eoff St. in Wheeling from noon-5 p.m.; July 20 at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church, 905 National Road in Wheeling from 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.; July 22 at Oglebay Park, 1637 Waddington Dr., in Wheeling from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; and July 23 at St. Vincent’s Marist Centre, 2244 Marshall Ave. in Wheeling, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Giving blood is giving life. It's giving someone in dire need a chance of surviving. A little bit of discomfort could make a big difference in someone's future.