Annual Valentine Blood Drive - Boost the blood supply!

The following post was submitted by Jack, a middle school student in Burke who volunteers at the Annual Valentine Blood Drive.

Blood shortages are not the most commonly discussed issue these days, but it is a constant concern, especially for someone who needs blood.   Each time you donate, you could save up to three lives.  That may not sound like a big number, but say you tell your aunt, and she tells her friends, and they tell their family, and the news keeps spreading.  Now that would add up to a big number, big enough to make a difference to many lives.  So if you would, please tell everyone you know that donating blood isn’t just sticking a needle in your arm, it’s also saving lives. 

         According to studies, if only one more percent of Americans over 16 (the age requirement) donates, blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future.  Only one percent and it could disappear.  In fact, a 16 year old who weighs more than 110 pounds and is in good health can give blood every 56 days.  That means that about every two months, you can help save three lives -- but only if you donate.

         There is no substitute for human blood.  Many cancer patients and people in the hospital require blood, for surgeries and transfusions.  They could be going to the beach, or seeing their family, or playing out in the snow.  But instead, they have to spend their time in a hospital bed, suffering, struggling… dying.  If you think you can’t make a difference, this may be the #1 thing you CAN do to help someone.  And the people needing blood are caring people that have families; some have children, maybe even grandchildren.  So instead of thinking about them as random strangers, think of them as a part of your family.  It is entirely up to you, but I wouldn’t wait another second if there was a chance to donate blood.  Me, I have to wait another few years until I’m eligible, but plan to donate the moment I can.

     The rarest blood type is the one not on the shelf when it’s needed by a patient.  Make a difference and sign up to donate at the 4th Annual Valentine Blood Drive on Feb. 10, 2013, 8:00am-4:00pm, Woods Community Center, 10100 Wards Grove Circle, Burke, VA  22015.  To make an appointment, visit www.inovabloodsaves.org and enter sponsor code 7637. 

Visit www.friendsofsadie.org for more information.  The Gift of Life is the Gift of Hope.