This week Natalie Beagley from the American Red Cross Blood Services office in Wichita called the Great Bend Tribune to report a heightened need for donations.
This is nothing new; her message was “heightened need continues.” In fact, 40,000 pints of blood are needed every day across the nation. Every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood.
Beagley was concerned that some people may have gotten a different impression from a post on social media. Someone hadn’t gotten the desired time slot or had somehow gotten the impression that the upcoming donation times in Barton County were “full.”
That is hardly the case. Appointments are being taken and walk-ins are welcome at the following blood drives:
• Monday, March 19, 11:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at St. Rose Auditorium, 1412 Baker Ave.
• Tuesday, March 20, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at River Bend Assisted Living, 3820 Broadway Ave., Great Bend.
• Wednesday, March 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ellinwood District Hospital, 605 Main.
Corry Herrman, Great Bend’s blood drive chairman, agrees that the need is there. She encourages people to call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. Far from having an adequate number of donors, the Great Bend drive organizers are trying to reach a new goal.
Blood donations aren’t just for accident victims. According to the Red Cross, people who receive the most blood include those being treated for cancer, undergoing orthopedic surgeries, undergoing organ and marrow transplants, undergoing cardiovascular surgeries or being treated for inherited blood disorders.
Whether you choose to give blood or not is up to you — but never assume the need is not there.