Be a hero, donate blood

United Blood Services (UBS) has been supplying blood to Arizonans for 60 years. As a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supplying blood components and related services to individuals, health care organizations (such as Winslow Memorial Hospital) and communities.

We are told the number One reason people do not donate blood is they are never asked! We are asking for the citizens of Winslow to consider becoming blood donors. One donor can assist as many as four different patients who are in need of blood due to sudden illness, disease or as a result of an accident. Blood can be divided into four components - Red Cells may be used for surgical patients; Plasma, which is used in the treatment of shock and burn patients; Platelets, which are vital in treating leukemia and other cancer patients and Cryoprecipitate, which contains blood clotting proteins and is used to treat or prevent bleeding.

I recently had the opportunity of attending a banquet sponsored by United Blood Services. Phoenix Police Officer Jason Schechterle, was one of the guest speakers, (remember on March 26, 2001 Jason’s police cruiser was struck by a taxi cab traveling in excess of 110 mph, caught fire and Jason suffered severe burns that almost cost him his life). Jason told the Community Blood Drive Coordinators that after his accident, Doctors used 40 units of red blood cells and 8 units of plasma for a total of 48 units of blood components in treating his bums and other injuries. Jason added that without volunteer donor blood he would not have been able to see another sunset, father another child, or see his wife again. During Jason’s short speech, he shared about another Phoenix Police Officer that had been shot in the line of duty. He described to us stories doctors shared with him that when the officer was taken to surgery they did not expect him to survive the surgery. Jason explained that the surgical team was literally pouring blood on the officer’s heart to keep him alive while the surgeons repaired his life threatening injuries. The Officer survived after a total of 142 units of blood components (91 units of red blood cells, 39 units of plasma and 12 units of platelets) were used,

These situations could easily be anyone of us. Will there be an adequate supply of blood components available? At this time the answer is most likely “NO!”.... United Blood Services is working hard to re-stock the shelves around the State of Arizona with much needed blood supplies. However, the demand continues to outpace the supply. How can you help? Become a blood donor - your next opportunity is during The Winslow Community Blood Drive which is scheduled for Thursday, April 8, 2004 at the Old High School Gym, 900 Colorado Ave., from 11:30 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment call Mary Ann Smith @ 289-2331 or Lorraine Lucero Olivia-Gonzales @ 289-3357.

Who is eligible to donate blood? Anyone 17 years of age, with parental consent or older, in good health and would like to become a “Hero” to someone. Criteria for eligibility has dramatically changed over the past several years. If you were previously turned down as donor due to diabetes, cancer or because you were taking a certain medication, you may now be eligible to donate. Call 1-800-288-2199 ext 5840 with any questions you may have.

Donating blood takes approximately one hour or slightly longer, costs you nothing and leaves you with a good feeling. PLEASE BE A BLOOD DONOR AND BE A HERO!!

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read