Bleeding for America

While you may feel your vote is a “drop in the bucket” you have a chance Tuesday to put a much more meaningful “drop” into a life saving “bucket.”

A community blood drive is scheduled on Election Tuesday, so while you’re out doing your democratic duty, why don’t you stop by St. Ann’s and help save some lives?

The blood drive, sponsored by the Saratoga Council of Catholic Women is from noon to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 8, 2016 at St. Ann’s Parish Hall, 218 West Spring Ave. in Saratoga.

According to the United Blood Services, more people would donate if only they knew the importance of blood. Doctors use blood for just one reason: to sustain life. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot be manufactured. It is the ‘gift of life’ that only humans can give one another.

“Blood donors save lives,” organizer Val Larscheid said. “Several of them, in fact, because each donation can be separated into different components: red blood cells, used by surgical patients; plasma, given to those who have suffered burns or trauma; platelets, often needed by patients with cancer; and cryoprecipitate, a special blood clotting factor used to help people with hemophilia. Your single donation can help as many as four patients.”

Area blood centers are in need of all blood types, but O-, B- and A- are especially needed. Donors with these blood types are encouraged to donate during this drive.

Donors must be at least 17 years of age and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. Donors must bring identification showing their legal name and one of the following: date of birth, social security number, United Blood Services assigned donor number or a photo ID. Donors should also bring a list of the medications they are currently taking. It is recommended donors drink plenty of water and eat well the 24 hours before they donate.

The main reason people don’t donate blood is because no one has asked them. The Saratoga Council of Catholic Women would like to personally invite everyone to donate at this Blood Drive – it’s simple, there is little, if any, pain and it is one of the most important and compassionate acts of service a person can do. Be a hero by donating blood!

Donors can complete their health history questionnaire on the day of their donation, which reduces the in-person interview to a few essential follow-up questions. Simple instructions can be found on the “Health History Questionnaire” link on the United Blood Services website http://www.UnitedBloodServices.org. Donors who schedule their appointment online will receive a link to the questionnaire in an appointment reminder email.

While no appointments are necessary, priority will be given to those with one. Apppointments can be made by visiting http://www.bloodhero.com (sponsor code is “toga”) or calling Larscheid at 326-8603 or 321-8865.