To the editor:

Not everyone can donate blood.  Currently only three out of every 100 people in America do. And those who can donate a unit (pint) of blood can do so only every 56 days. But as every 2 seconds someone in this country needs blood, the Red Cross needs not only its faithful donors of the past but new contributors as well. Even those who cannot donate can help organize blood drives at their place of work, churches, schools or organizations to which they belong. Or they can assist at selected drives or Red Cross centers.

The Red Cross also encourages current donors to share their experiences with friends and bring them to donate with them. Locally, individuals can donate at the Red Cross blood drive at St. Rose Auditorium, 1412 Baker Ave., Great Bend, on Monday May 16th, from 11:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. The process, from check-in to the post-donation visit to the canteen, is usually just about an hour’s time. The donation can add days, perhaps years, to the life of someone in need.  

One donation may well help save the lives of three individuals – an accident victim, a Little Leaguer, a cancer survivor, or one who might be scheduled to spend part of his or her spring or early summer recovering from an operation, transplant or procedure requiring transfusions. 

For more information, to schedule a donation or inquire about eligibility to donate, individuals can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or go online at bloodisneeded.org. Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with a Parental Permission Form), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health the day they donate. There is no upper age limit on donating.

Corry Herrman

Blood Drive Coordinator