The Garden City Telegram
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Blood drive sees good turnout
Published 2/24/2009 in News
By SHAJIA AHMAD
Red Cross volunteers and staff were shooting for 50 donors. Instead, an incredible 84 people showed up Monday at a local blood drive, said Vicky Copess, senior donor recruitment representative.
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Laurie Sisk/Telegram — Red Cross phlebotomist Ashley Burrell prepares First United Methodist Church Pastor David Bell for his blood donation Monday during a blood drive at the church.
Volunteers are hoping for high numbers today, as well, as Garden City residents pull up their sleeves to offer life-saving blood.
"We always need blood — it's a never ending need," said Terry Sharon, a blood driver supervisor with the Red Cross.
When blood supply becomes scarce, a triage must be set up to prioritize patients needing blood based on the severity of their conditions, Sharon said. That puts a number of people at risk, including victims of disasters or traumas and also a daily list of scheduled surgeries at area hospitals.
At least six of Monday's 84 donors at the First United Methodist Church, 1106 N. Main St., were first-time donors, Copess said. Only about 35 percent of the general public can donate blood. Low iron levels, especially in women, usage of certain medications, missed appointments and other complications prevent many people from donating even though they want to, she said.
"Even if you can't donate, anyone can volunteer with the drive," she said. "We're always looking for volunteers."
Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood due to heart surgeries, joint replacements, organ transplants or premature babies, leukemia and cancer treatments for patients who can be old or young, family or friends, a next-door neighbor or even the donors themselves, according to the Red Cross. "We are all connected. We each give and receive; it's a two-way street," said Pam Head, CEO of the Central Plains Region division of the Red Cross. "You give blood today, and it may be you or someone you know who receives blood at some point in their life."
Several of Monday's donors munched on cookies and sipped fruit juice to recover from giving blood. One good Samaritan, Karen Lopez, said she heard blood donation levels were low and came out to the church to give hers. Over the last few years, the Garden City resident has donated more than seven times.
After the blood is collected from donors in Garden City, the Red Cross crew from Wichita takes it back there and then ships it off to labs in Tulsa, Okla., for processing, Sharon said. Once tested for safety, the donated blood will be returned to use in Kansas hospitals. Much of the blood donated in a state or region is used again in the same area, Sharon said.
The body replenishes its fluids within 24 hours of a donation, and most donors can safely give blood once every eight weeks. Nearly 50 percent of the national blood supply is provided by Red Cross volunteer blood donors.
Individuals also can donate blood at the drive from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at the church. Donors must be 17 years of age — 16 in Kansas with a completed parental consent form — weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. Those coming to donate should bring a photo ID.
The next Garden City blood drive will be 2 to 7 p.m. April 30 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 1 at the Clarion Inn and Conference Center, 1911 E. Kansas Ave. Call the Red Cross at (800) 448-3543 to schedule an appointment.
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