Filling the need for bleed

Calls are continuing this week to sign up donors for the Valley Service Organization’s (VSO) annual blood drive.

The goal for VSO’s 2014 blood drive is 38 donors, but 58 appointment slots are available, according to Roxie Baldwin, VSO coordinator for the project.

The drive is scheduled  for Tuesday, Jan. 28, from noon to 5:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Platte Valley Community Center. The blood drive is being conducted in conjunction with United Blood Services (UBS) of Cheyenne.

Blood and blood products are needed by people suffering from cancer, heart disease, severe anemia and bone and joint disorders, as well as those injured in automobile and other accidents, Baldwin said.

UBS reports that 500 people a week are needed to donate blood to serve the 47 area hospitals in this region. Nationally about four million ill and injured patients need blood transfusions each year. In addition, Baldwin said, UBS reports that blood can only be stored on hospital shelves for 42 days, and every 3 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion.

Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be 16 years of age or older and be in general good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 or 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.

Those who make appointments are reminded to drink plenty of water, limit caffeine and eat well before coming to donate, and to bring their donor card if they have one and a photo ID.

Persons who wish to make an appointment and haven’t been contacted, or who wish to see if their preferred time is available may call Baldwin at 326-8545 or Carol Sherrod at 326-5937. They may also sign up online by logging on to http://www.bloodhero.com (sponsor code: toga).