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Give A Pint: Red Cross Needs DonorsBy Jen Thomas - January 02, 2008
NORTH ADAMS - Robert Bona started giving blood more than 40 years ago, when you could still donate at the North Adams Regional Hospital.
"They could take it right from you and into the operating room," said Bona, after donating a pint at Wednesday's community blood drive, held at American Legion Post 125. "You knew where it was going and it put you right there."
Nationwide, fewer than 5 percent of people donate blood and in New England, the statistics are even lower.
"A lot of people say they've never given blood because they've never been asked. We're always looking to have people come out and 1,400 pints must be collected every working day in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont to meet the patient needs," said Brian Hurlock, a Western Massachusetts recruitment representative for the American Red Cross.
"Consider yourself asked," he added.
Gift of Life
For Bona, it was an 8-year-old girl with leukemia that sparked his motivation to give.
"The first time I ever gave, it was for this little girl and she needed a transfusion. She got my blood for two years. I knew she had the same blood type as I did and it connected us. I got to know her and it was like she was part of me and I was part of her," said Bona. "And part of me died when she did."
Bona said he gives every 56 days, the amount of time that must pass between donations as mandated by the Red Cross.
"It's a good thing to do, to help others," he said.
Traditionally, blood supplies are depleted in the winter months, since illness and inclement weather keep potential donors inside. In an effort to encourage people to come out and participate, the Red Cross and Dunkin' Donuts have partnered up to celebrate National Blood Donor Month by offering one pound of coffee for each volunteer donor. Titled "Pound for a Pint," the promotion is one way to thank community members for giving the gift of life.
"After the holidays, we typically experience a challenge in collecting the amount of blood and platelets needed to meet patients needs. However, blood supplies must remain constant because the need for blood never takes a holiday," said Joanne Newton, CEO of the American Red Cross Blood Services, Massachusetts Region. "We ask all eligible blood donors to please make a donation during January, National Blood Donor Month."
"Pound for a Pint" will be offered throughout the Northeast in participating locations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.
Critical Levels
With four blood types at critical levels (O-positive, O-negative, A-negative and B-negative) in the region, the Red Cross urges everyone to help out if they can.
"Giving blood is simple and safe and takes about an hour. The actual donation only takes about six to 10 minutes and when you donate, you can save up to three lives," said Hurlock. "We're doing everything we can to raise awareness and have at least 5 percent come out, not less than that."
Lois Girard, the team supervisor of the Wednesday drive, said blood collected today can be used for various uses, both locally and nationwide.
"Blood can't be manufactured so it's important that people help out. We can separate blood into components and use plasma for burn victims, or whole blood needed for blood loss in accidents, trauma or illness, and platelets for clotting," Girard said. "Obviously, the blood stays local first but it also can be used to go down to disaster areas. It goes where it's needed."
Hurlock also noted that many Berkshire County residents may not know that they can donate every Monday at the Pittsfield Donor Center, located at 480 West St.
"It's a permanent community drive and the donations are not as consistent as with the other drives. I think people just don't know about it," he said.
With seven blood drives planned for the Berkshires this month - including two at the Berkshire Mall and one every Monday in Pittsfield - Hurlock hopes to see donations on the rise.
For Fred Solari, another Wednesday donor, what began as a personal tragedy has now become a way to make even a small difference.
"I ran into a case where my wife needed quite a bit of blood, so I donated. I lost her but now I do it to help somebody else if they need it," Solari said.
iBerkshires.com has partnered up with the American Red Cross to keep the community updated about local drives, promotions and events. Check out the Red Cross calendar on our site to find out when to donate or to set up an appointment.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Most healthy adults can give blood through the American Red Cross. You meet the basic eligibility requirements if you:
- are at least 17 years old
- weigh at least 110 pounds
- are in good health on the day of donation
- have no history of exposure to hepatitis or AIDS
- your last blood donation was at least 56 days (eight weeks) ago
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