It’s a simple gesture, but one that yields an impact beyond what many people consider: anytime you donate blood, you could be saving up to three lives.
On Saturday in Luling, there’s the opportunity to do just that as Holy Family Catholic Church is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Representatives from The Blood Center will be on hand. Appointments will be honored first and walk-in donors are welcome. Donors are advised to eat a healthy meal and to be hydrated well.
Rose Lodrigues of The Blood Center said that donors will be helping to fill a major need in general, but one that is annually heightened over the summer months. This year is no exception.
“The blood shortage is really bad during the summer because our schools, our colleges, they’re not in session, and that’s about 25 percent of our blood collection throughout the school year. People are on vacation. And of course, it’s hot, so not everyone wants to get out and donate,” she said.
Another factor is that it’s storm season, a fact that’s been brought to the forefront this week.
“We have to be prepared before, during and after a hurricane or tropical depression. When there’s flooding and damage, people aren’t able to get out and donate blood for obvious reasons,” said Lodrigues. “We try to beef up before we get into any of those situations.”
Lodrigues added that there’s a nationwide blood shortage, and when there’s a catastrophic event in any area of the country, blood is sent to those places to help address the immediate emergency at hand.
“For our patients with cancer, for those who have been in car accidents, whether it’s the summer or not, that need remains – those. Unfortunately, don’t go on vacation, and need help,” Lodrigues said.
One group where she hopes to see an increase in participation is among younger people. It’s a generation where donor activity has declined over the years, and as many in the older generation moves into an age where it is no longer viable, it creates a window for their younger counterparts to make a big difference.
“For a lot of people, they don’t necessarily think about that need until it happens to a family member,” Lodrigues said.
Holy Family church has hosted these drives regularly, which Lodrigues said has been a big lift.
The Blood Center services more than 50 hospitals. It’s estimated that every three seconds, somebody in the United States has a need to receive blood.
Those who donate Saturday won’t be leaving empty-handed. Each eligible donor will receive a coupon for a pint of Blue Bell ice cream and their choice of a free T-Short, family blood coverage, blood replacement or Heart Club.
