Give the gift of life

By Staff
Rep. Ronald Grantland, Guest Columnist
There isn’t another holiday like Valentine’s Day to get us focused on those close to us. But there is a crisis that calls for us to think about those we probably don’t even know. Right now across our state, many of our blood banks are in grave need for blood donors.
Whether it’s an increase in automobile accidents, folks waiting until after the holidays to have surgery, or normal donors missing their appointments around Christmas, the holiday season always takes a toll on our blood banks. Combine the usual factors with the ice storms and severe weather across our state and country, and our blood supply is even lower than it normally is.
There is no doubt that our “all volunteer” blood bank system is the best in the world. However, the system works best when everyone gives, especially in times when the supply is low. The fact is that barely a fraction of those who can give blood do so. It is estimated that less than 5percent of eligible donors give blood. That number drops even lower around this time of year.
Yet the need for blood does not drop during this time of year; in fact, it grows even higher. More surgeries are performed nationwide the second Monday in January than any other day of the year. Plus, our regional Red Cross is a “net import region,” meaning that we need more blood than we are able to get through donations.
In response to the dilemma, the American Red Cross Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region initiated an emergency appeal for more blood. Our regional Red Cross is responsible for providing blood to more than 100 hospitals in our state and throughout the Florida panhandle and Mississippi Gulf Coast. They estimate that Alabama and the Central Gulf Coast region require 700 units of blood each day.
Sooner or later many of us will face a time of great vulnerability in which we will need blood. Now is the time to help organizations such as the American Red Cross who work nonstop to ensure that those who need blood will get it. The Red Cross estimates that if levels continue to fall, elective surgeries will be postponed to preserve the blood supply for emergency and life-saving treatments. Just last week, two patients had to delay liver transplant operations because there wasn’t enough blood available.
We cannot allow this shortage to continue. The American Red Cross is particularly in need of O donors, both Type O Positive and Type O Negative. O Positive blood can be transfused into patients with any positive blood type, and O Negative is considered the universal donor, meaning it can be transfused into all patients regardless of their blood types.
In order to give blood, the American Red Cross requires that you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in overall good health. In addition, you must present a photo ID or an American Red Cross donor card when donating. The Red Cross also recommends that you drink plenty of water, beginning a few days before giving, and that you eat a nutritious meal the night before, as well as the day of giving.
The Red Cross is also accepting blood from individuals with diabetes and high blood pressure. These individuals are always allowed to donate under certain restrictions, but during times of emergency, the government relaxes these standards. As long as your blood sugar or blood pressure is normal the day of donation you can donate.
If you want to help, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE for more information and to find out where you can donate. This Valentine’s Day, don’t just give a gift to your sweetheart—roll up your sleeve and give the gift of life to those who need it most.