Giving blood especially important in the summertime

Summertime may be the traditional time for vacation, but some activities don't take a break.

People still have surgery, still get sick -- in fact, people may be more likely to be involved in accidents requiring blood transfusions to keep them alive.

"Each year, nearly 5 million people need blood transfusions," said Trisha Rubens of the American Red Cross Midwest Blood Services. That amounts to more than 38,000 pints of blood needed for patients at hospitals across the nation each day.

"To help meet this constant need, it is important for people to donate blood regularly," she said.

Yet, not everyone can donate blood. To do so, you must present a blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification, be at least 17 years old or 16 with a signed parental/guardian consent form, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. You might be deferred for any number of reasons, such as having a cold or receiving a tattoo in recent months.

Plus, over the summer months, a lot of people are just gone on vacation, at the lake, working in the fields or otherwise occupied.

The McCook Community Blood Drive is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Community Building at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. Call Cathy Carman at (308) 345-4473 prior to or the day of the drive, or visit during the hours of the drive -- walk-ins and always welcome.

The drive hopes for 110 units on Wednesday and 115 on Thursday, meaning many more donors than that need to be willing to give blood.

Can you help?

We hope so. You never know when you might be the one who needs the blood.

More information is available at givebloodgivelife.org