The greatest gift

What if you were told an hour of your time could change someone’s life? In the time it takes you to read this article, nearly 100 people will receive lifesaving blood transfusions. By taking just an hour or so to donate, you will do something wonderful! Here, in the southern part of Wyoming, it takes 500 people a week to donate blood to serve the 47 area hospitals in this region! One out of every 3 people will need blood during their lives, but only one in 20 people regularly give blood.

Saratoga’s next blood drive with Vitalant is on Tuesday, November 16 from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm at St. Ann’s Parish Hall. The drive is sponsored by the Saratoga Council of Catholic Women.

According to Valerie Larscheid, blood drive coordinator, blood donors truly are heroes, because their one donation can help as many as four patients. “Giving blood is one of the most important, rewarding and compassionate things a person can do,” explained Larscheid. “The blood donation is simple, there is little, if any, pain and it provides the “gift of life” that only human beings can give to one another.”

Blood donors are reminded to eat a salty snack the day before the donation, a healthy, low-fat meal within 2 hours of the appointment, drink plenty of water during the day to keep hydrated, limit caffeine intake, bring a list of medications and places and times they have traveled outside of the U.S. and bring a photo ID.

You may also complete the Health History Questionnaire on the day of the drive by going to http://www.vitalant.org. Print out the ticket and bring it with you to the blood drive. Filling out the on-line questionnaire will speed up the process for donors.

Anyone interested in donating may call Larscheid at 307-321-8865 or schedule an appointment online at www.vitalant.org (sponsor code is toga).