Young Blood

I am a volunteer for the American Red Cross. 

Every two months I help with the local Blood Drive held at Northwest Church of Christ in Tallmadge. It is a wonderful, rewarding experience that I always look forward to. I am usually in charge of running the computer and checking in the donors. I work along side the Charlie's Angels: Beth Grace (extraordinary event-coordinator), Pat Jeffery (canteen boss 1) and Nancy Townsend (canteen boss 2). I cannot forget to mention our Bosley: Mark Hooverman (master chef).

My interest in volunteering for the American Red Cross began a couple of years ago. I had always been an avid donor through High School and into my earlier twenties. My blood type is O Positive, which the majority of the population has. Type O is often in short supply and highly demanded in hospitals. 

So why am I such an avid supporter? The statistics speak volumes:

• 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives(we have 10 pints of blood in our bodies. When we donate we give 1 pint).
• 5 million patients in the US need blood every year
• Less than 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood and less than 10 percent actually donate each year.
• Only 7% of people in the US have the Universal donor blood type, O Negative
• Blood cannot be manufactured; it can only come from volunteer donors.
• Every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion

I unfortunately stopped regularly donating my blood due to one isolated incident that involved me fainting.. My bad though! I did not have a sufficient meal before hand. Ever since that day my donations have been limited. In replace of me not supplying as much blood, I decided to donate my time in helping with the effort (I thank Beth Grace for presenting with me the opportunity). Being involved behind the scenes has given me a greater respect for the American Red Cross and everyone involved. Now, more than ever, people are in need of blood. 

The blood drive at Northwest Church of Christ is one of the bigger Red Cross events in the area. From being behind the scenes and learning more about the process, it is startling to know how many people cannot give blood and how those who can donate do not. What bothers me, from volunteering over the years, is that out of an average of 30 donors, usually only 1 person of my age range donates (18yrs-30yrs). The other 29 donors are usually older in age (40yrs+).

This leads me to believe that the younger generation doesn't realize the value of this vital experience and the incredible statics behind it. There is so much healthy Young Blood out there, but not enough of the younger crowd is donating it.. 

Yes, they do have blood drives at local high schools and colleges (which is wonderful and how I was introduced). I am not by any means saying young people do not donate. What I am saying is that if you don't bring the blood drive to the younger crowd, many of them will not go out and make the effort to donate in their free time out of an act of goodwill and kindness. 

You can save 3 lives. That is kind of a big deal!

There are so many regulars that come in to donate. Looking at some of the their history, select donors have given almost 200 times. Putting it in perspective, that is about 600 lives that have been saved over the years. These people set fourth a habit that has benefited many and is truly rewarding in its own right. I have no doubt these people will donate till they cannot donate no more. 

What worries me is when the older generation fades out, our generation won't have the same drive to keep donating. We are the future. We need to do what we can to help others. Whenever you donate anything to someone in this life, you make things a little easier. The less we donate in these times, the more our world suffers. We need to all strive for the better of community and family to make the world a better place.

Giving blood is giving life. We are so technically advanced in the healthcare field, but we do know one thing for sure: we cannot manufacture blood. If someone needs blood, it has to come from us directly. Blood in general has a very symbolic meaning in the ways of life and religion. In religion, we drink of the blood of Christ to cleanse us of our sins and give us everlasting life. In the same way we should willingly sacrifice some of our own blood to help thy neighbor.

There are even more perks about donating through the American Red Cross than just saving lives though.. Every 56 days you are able to donate, and every time you donate they give you a mini-physical. They check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. This is useful in letting you know if there is a problem. 

After you donate, your blood is put through numerous tests to determine if it is safe to use. They must test your blood for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and other infectious diseases. If there are any problems, they will get a hold of you and let you know.

Also, after you donate, it is free meal time! At Northwest Church of Christ, the amazing volunteers supply everyone with a very satisfying meal (chili, soup, veggie trays, chips, cookies, pop, coffee and many other goodies) as well as company. If you need anything, someone is there by your side.

My wish is that more people my age and younger will give extended thought to the bigger picture and develop more donating habits. Greatness can only be created when a solid effort is made. I suggest anyone interested in an organization to: research, pray and find what calls to you in an effort to help. Every time you help just a little, greater good is being done! All you have to do is find the time and means in doing so. 

For extended information about the American Red Cross, visit the link below:

http://www.redcrossblood.org/