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Donors save lives
Dear Editor,
Since the establishment of the first American Red Cross blood program in 1948, millions of Americans have embraced the selfless act of donating blood and passing the gift of life on to someone else; wherever the blood is most needed. Blood drives have become community tradition and a sense of pride has developed for a successful event.
Here in McCook, the Red Cross is present every 56 days, collecting blood to help save the lives of patients in need. The commitment of the community has helped us save countless lives over the years, but the attendance at blood drives has been falling. This makes it more and more difficult to collect the blood needed by hospitals.
The daily goal for McCook blood drives is 105/121 units of blood. (Each of those units is committed to a hospital before we even collect it.) That goal equates to just 5 percent of the town's population, and yet, we have trouble meeting it. I have no doubt that there is potential to collect more blood in McCook, it just takes the commitment of the citizens.
Please help us make blood drives in McCook successful again. Roll up your sleeve and give the gift of life alongside your friends, family and neighbors. Call Cathy at (308) 345-4473 or 1-800-GIVELIFE or visit givebloodgivelife.org to schedule your blood donation appointment today. The blood you donate could save your life or that of someone you love.
Cathy Carman,
Blood Drive Coordinator
Cathy is a Red Cross Blood Services volunteer