Contributed by NALANI BEVER | Wilton blood-drive coordinator
We most often think of our blood donations being used in emergency situations: serious injuries sustained as a result of an automobile accident, postpartum hemorrhage after the birth of a child, or even scheduled surgeries where blood must be available should an emergency arise during the surgery.
But how often do we correlate the need of ongoing transfusions with a blood shortage? Probably seldom, if ever. Serious infections often prevent the body from producing different blood components, red blood cell disorders (anemia, for one), white blood cell disorders (leukemia, lymphoma), and plasma disorders, to name a few. These conditions can result in the patient needing regular transfusions, be they every week, bi-weekly, or monthly. The blood shortage is causing physicians to choose to continue regularly scheduled transfusions for their patients or stretching out the time between transfusions. Having to choose the latter may very well exacerbate an already fragile treatment regimen.
So, put your cell phone down for an hour, take a break from the sport analysts telling you why this team or that team will win the Super Bowl, relax and forget about where Aaron Rodgers will play next season (it’s Green Bay, you know), and come to the Wilton Community Center this Saturday, Feb. 5, between 7 and 11:30 a.m. to DONATE BLOOD. Should your blood type be O-, A-, of B-, you might consider making a Power Red donation. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
To make an appointment, call (800) 733-2767, go online @redcrossblood.org, or call Nalani Bever at (608) 377-2311. Walk-ins will not be turned away, but appointments are preferred and result in a shorter wait time.
