Let’s say you have the option to save three lives. Would you do it? “Yes!” comes the resounding response. Any able human would want to save three lives, given the option. But the reality is that many people don’t, even though they are able.
By donating blood just one pint of blood, you could save up to three lives. Blood is the pulse that keeps us going, and not everybody has enough. But that’s where you can step in. Here are some ways that you can get involved. Don’t let fear hold you back. Instead, visit your local blood bank today.
Give
Sixteen-year-old Kyle from North Carolina donated for the first time at his high school. “I felt so good after I did that. I know I did something that can save a life,” he said. “I will continue to do this. I cannot wait to do another donation.”
Along with the sense of pride for giving, Paul from Missouri said he helped because he knew how valuable blood could be. “I give blood to help save others lives like mine was saved when I was born. I was born with Rh negative blood and needed a transfusion immediately at birth,” he said. “My mom said I almost did not make it, but I did. So I have been giving blood for many years to return the favor that someone did for me.”
No matter what your reason is for giving, there’s a constant need. Visit your local blood bank and give. You’ll soon discover how simple it is. And probably get a cookie for your efforts.
Volunteer
Not everybody qualifies to give blood. People can be turned away because of their weight, a recent trip out of the country or low iron levels, among other reasons. But that doesn’t mean they can’t get involved. Simply visit your local blood bank for volunteer opportunities. Not only will you hear touching stories and see countless lives saved, but you’ll also enjoy the convenience of flexible hours and making a difference.
Host
Being a host normally involves loads of work. But when hosting a blood drive you don’t have to cater to everyone. All you need to provide is a suitable location, help recruit donors and publicize the event and then schedule donors. Other than those aspects, your local blood bank takes care of the rest.
They’ll work with you to plan and organize the drive, along with helping you figure out how many donors you can expect and how to recruit. On the day of the drive, the blood bank will bring equipment and supplies and set everything up and take it down. Also, they’ll confidentially screen donors and collect donations.
Stories shared from www.redcross.org.
